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13.6.10. Cycads


A Gymnosperm tree.

All known as living fossil.


Distribution: Western ghats, Eastern ghats, North East India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.


Cycads have been used as a source of starch and also during socio-cultural rituals.


There is some indication that the regular consumption of starch derived from cycads is a factor in the development of Lytico-Bodig disease, a neurological disease with symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s disease and ALS.

Threats: Over harvesting, Deforestation and forest fire.