Cycas pruinosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cycas pruinosa |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cycas
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| Species: |
pruinosa
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The Cycas pruinosa is a unique plant that looks a bit like a palm tree. It's a type of cycad, which is an ancient group of seed plants. These plants are found in the eastern and southern parts of the Kimberley region in Western Australia. You can also spot them in the Spirit Hills on Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory.
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Discovering the Cycas Pruinosa
This amazing plant was first officially recognized in 1978. An Australian plant expert named John Maconochie was the one who identified it. The name pruinosa means "covered with powder." This name perfectly describes the blue-white, powdery look of the plant's seeds.
What Makes It Special?
The Cycas pruinosa has several features that make it stand out.
- Its leaves are narrow and smooth.
- The edges of its leaves curve strongly backwards.
- It has long, thin male cones.
- Its female seed-bearing leaves are also long with long, empty tips.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant usually has a strong, straight trunk. It can grow to about 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall. The trunk is around 30 centimeters (12 inches) wide. At the top of the trunk, you'll see a crown of arching leaves, called fronds. These fronds curve distinctly from the top. They also form a V-shape when you look at them from the side.
Some Cycas pruinosa plants have a blue-white, powdery coating on their leaves. This coating is made of special waxes. Other plants of the same species might not have this coating. This means some plants look blue, while others appear green.
Where Does It Grow?
The Cycas pruinosa is well-suited for tropical areas. These regions usually have a dry season each year. This plant thrives in such conditions.
Learn More
- "Cycas pruinosa" on Encyclopedia of Palms & Cycads.
