Biologists, landscapers, home gardeners and even anthropologists have long been fascinated by this ancient group of rare plants. Considered the "sister group" to all other living seed plants, cycads date back 250 million years to the late Palaeozoic period. Despite its early origin, the world's present cycad flora has an astonishing blend of primitive and advanced characters, some of which are unique in the plant kingdom.
With four different cycad genera and a great range in form and habitat in the 69 endemic species, Australia is particularly rich in its cycad flora. This book highlights this diversity with more than 170 colour photographs, botanical illustrations and distribution maps. Extensive information on morphology and anatomy, reproduction and dispersal, economic botany, toxicity, conservation and cultivation is included.
The cycads' unusual form, beauty and ability to survive harsh conditions makes them an excellent feature for home gardens and landscape projects.
Researched and written by two of Australia's leading cycad experts, 'Cycads Of Australia' is an easy-to-read definitive and up-to-date guide to the amazing world of cycads.
