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Chinese charm
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Cycads have attractive leaves which are popular with florists
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FERN-LIKE LEAVES Cycas revoluta
Cycas revoluta is an exotic species from China, southern Japan and Thailand. It is grown widely in gardens and raised as an indoor plant as well because of its striking appearance. The dark, un-branched cylindrical trunk has a terminal crown of stiff, dark green, pinnate leaves, with closely grown leaflets that resemble ferns. The trunk, generally two to three feet tall, may grow up to six feet. The bark of the trunk is dark and bears dense, crowded, square-shaped scars of fallen leaf and is clothed in coriacious woolly scales. Persistent bases of scales and leaves form alternate bands. The annular cushions make the trunk woody and solid outside, though spongy beneath. The leaves have thick petioles, two to three feet long and quadrangular in cross section. The leaflets have their margins rolled back, hence the specific name `revolute'.
The stem of all cycads has large pith and bark consisting of starch filled paranchymatous cells. Cycads are dioeeious, meaning the female flower parts and the male flower parts occur in different individuals. Fertilisation takes place through motile spermatozords as in ferns. Cycads come under class Gymnosperms and occupy a place between ferns and conifers. No wonder there is an ancient air about them. The Kolkata Botanical Gardens houses all the varieties of cycads. Cycas revoluta is in demand for its leaves and a great favourite with florists. Nurseries sell them too. Propagation is by root suckers and bulbils. Dig large pits 3' x 3' after removing stones, keeping the plants lifted. Refill the soil up to and above the roots. Do not press or pack soil. Water frequently, allowing the soil to settle naturally. Keep wetting. This method encourages sucker development.
J. MANGALARAJ JOHNSON
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