Cycas rumphii

Cycas rumphii, peg- shaped, male inflorescence.

Hull Sagopalmfarn ( Cycas rumphii ) is a flowering plant in the genus Sagopalmfarne ( Cycas ), the only genus in the family of Cycadaceae.

The species is named after the German -born Dutchman Georg Eberhard Rumpf ( 1628-1702 ).

Description

Typical are the feathery fronds, the fronds look very similar. Unlike palm fronds, the fronds at the cycads but annoying fork ( dichotomous ). Initially, the fronds, ferns are similar, rolled. There are also low- leaves, alternately formed with the leaf fronds. At the trunk, the leaves are spirally formed. In most cases, a crown of new leaves, the plant produces at the same time, usually once a year, the older the more new leaves per year. Most of the stems are unbranched.

As with all types of the family Cycadaceae ( = genus Cycas ), only the male plants pin-shaped inflorescences ( Sporophyllstände ). The plants have reshaped ( fertile ) leaves, which are formed in a ring at the top of the plant, alternating with foliage leaves - at the edges of the fertile leaves ( sporophylls ) are single ovule. After fertilization, then form the seeds at the edge of the fertile leaves. (Note have arranged their spores systems, the similarity of the female fertile leaves with the way ferns. )

Dissemination

Native to the species is mainly in the Moluccas and is also found in Malaysia, eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, southern Borneo, northeastern Java. In cultivation it is in some tropical countries, for example in western India, Guam, Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and China.

Use

The species is from the people, used as a so-called false sago, as well as the species Cycas circinalis and Cycas revoluta. The family also this Sagopalmfarnes much starch is included.

Pictures

Male plant with cones

Female plant with fertile leaves

Seed

Swell

• Ken Hill: Cycas rumphii. In: The Cycad Pages. Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, accessed on 26 October 2011 ( English).