Cycas cairnsiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cycas cairnsiana |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cycas
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| Species: |
cairnsiana
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Cycas cairnsiana is a special type of plant called a cycad. It grows naturally in northern Queensland, Australia, specifically in an area known as the Newcastle Ridge. This plant is famous for its beautiful blue-green leaves and its ability to survive tough weather.
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What is a Cycas Cairnsiana?
This plant has a sturdy trunk that can grow quite tall, usually between 2 to 5 meters (about 6 to 16 feet) high. It's also fairly wide, about 12 to 16 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) across, and often has a wider base.
Its Unique Leaves
When new leaves first appear, they are covered in a soft, dark orange-brown fuzz. As they get older, they turn a stunning blue-green color and become smooth. These leaves are long, about 60 to 110 centimeters (2 to 3.5 feet) in length, and they have a gentle curve. Each leaf is made up of many smaller parts called leaflets, usually between 180 and 220 of them. These leaflets are thin, about 8 to 18 centimeters long and only 2 to 4 millimeters wide. The stalks that hold the leaves, called petioles, are about 18 to 27 centimeters long and have sharp spines.
How it Reproduces
Like other cycads, Cycas cairnsiana produces cones instead of flowers.
- Female Cones: The female cones are open and have special leaf-like structures called sporophylls, which are about 16 to 21 centimeters long. Each sporophyll can hold two to four seeds (ovules). The tip of these structures is shaped like a narrow triangle with jagged edges and a sharp point. The outer layer of the seed is yellowish-brown and waxy, while the hard inner shell is oval and flat.
- Male Cones: The male cones are usually found alone. They are oval-shaped, about 16 to 20 centimeters long and 7 to 10 centimeters wide. They are brown and have a pointed tip that turns upwards.
Who it's Named After
This cycad was named after William Cairns. He was the governor of Queensland from 1875 to 1877.
Where it Lives
Cycas cairnsiana thrives in dry, rocky areas within open woodlands. It prefers soils that come from granite rock. You can only find this plant in the Newcastle Range area of northeast Queensland. This region gets about 1350 millimeters of rain each year, but the rainfall changes with the seasons.
Its Relatives and Resilience
This cycad is closely related to two other cycad species: Cycas couttsiana and Cycas platyphylla. What makes Cycas cairnsiana truly special is its striking blue color and how well it can handle the extreme weather changes in its natural home.
Conservation Status
Because of its limited habitat, Cycas cairnsiana is considered "near-threatened." This means it's important to protect its environment to ensure it continues to survive.
