Cycas thouarsii R. Br.
Madagascar Cycad
Scientific name: Cycas thouarsii R. Br.
Family: Cycadadeae
Origin: Madagascar
Year planted: 2013
Flowering: May – July
Cycas thouarsii
Description
It is a large cycad species: it can reach up to 10 metres in height with a trunk 45 centimetres in diameter.
Its leaves can reach 3 metres in length, and unlike many other cycads they are more flexible. They are bright green with spikes.
It is a dioecious species: there are male and female specimens. The female cones contain the seeds, which are reddish-brown in colour. They are surrounded by a spongy tissue, which is why they can float in water.
Marimurtra’s specimens
The vast majority of specimens can be found in the cycadales area of the Mediterranean garden, under the water lily pond.
The largest is branched from the base. The longest trunk reaches 1.5 metres in height with a large crown of leaves.
These specimens were donated by Jordi Grau in 2013.
Did you know …?
It is a cycad that grows faster than most plants in its family, which is why it is one of the cycad species that is most commonly cultivated for parks and gardens.
Threat level (UICN)
Main uses
Raunkiaer Life Forms
