23/06/2025
🌿 The Male Cone of Cycas: A Living Fossil Wonder! 🌿
Did you know the male cone of Cycas is one of the largest cones (s*x organ )in the plant kingdom, sometimes reaching up to 80 cm or more? This cone is produced only on male plants since Cycas is dioecious (separate male and female plants). The male cone is conical or oval and bears numerous hard, woody microsporophylls arranged spirally, each carrying several microsporangia that produce pollen grains.
Interestingly, the growth of the stem pauses when the male cone forms at the apex because the apical meristem is used up, but then resumes as the cone shifts to the side—a unique growth pattern called sympodial growth.
Cycas is called a "living fossil" because it has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, and its male cone structure reflects this ancient lineage.
Explore the fascinating world of this ancient gymnosperm and its remarkable reproductive strategy! 🌱✨