Left leaflet: Group 1, several parallel veins in each leaflet
Middle leaf: Group 2, one midvein with with numerous side veins left and right (pinnate)
Right leaflet: Group 3, one unbranched vein in each leaflet.
(photo, John Braggins)
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NZ Plants
Cycads
(Phylum Cycadophyta) The cycads date back 250 million years. They have palm-like leaves, short, usually unbranched stems, massive cones and they are unisexual. There are 11 genera with 200 species found in tropical to semi-tropical areas around the world, often as fairly small populations. Their handsome palm-like foliage has made them very popular as ornamentals.
The three groups (families) of cycads.
Group 1: Several parallel veins per leaflet (Family Zamiaceae)
This is the largest family of cycads, containing 8 genera and about 160 species
Group 2: One pinnately branching midvein per leaflet (Family Stangeriaceae)
This family contains the genera Stangeria (1 species) and Bowenia (3 species).
Stangeria eriopus - This is a small cycad with a subterranean stem. The leaves are pinnate and fern-like. This is a male plant with a pollen cone. Endemic to South Africa.
(photo, John Braggins)
Group 3: One nonbranching vein per leaflet (Family Cycadaceae)
This family contains the solitary genus Cycas with about 50 species, mostly in Australia and China.
