Question

What is Cycas?

Answer 1

Bulbils are the most prevalent way of vegetative growth in Cycas. The bulbils emerge from the scaly leaves' axils. They have an oval shape with a broad base that narrows towards the peak. In a bulbil, several scaly leaves are spiralled and compactly placed over a dormant stalk.
When a bulbil separates from the stem, it begins germination by generating numerous roots on the bottom side and a leaf on the top side.

Complete answer:
Cycas are evergreen palm-like plants with leaves, stems, and roots that are sporophytes. The mode of sexual reproduction in them is fusion of separate gametes (male and female) of the oogamous type. Male and female gametes are formed by the germination of megaspores (megasporophylls) and microspores (microsporophylls).
The male gametes of Cycas are the largest and most apparent to the naked eye in nature, with an oval shape. Once fertilisation occurs, the ovule is connected to the seed.
The plant's body is made up of a columnar aerial trunk with a crown of pinnately complex leaves atop it.
Cycas has two types of roots: regular tap roots that form a tap root system and coralloid roots. Normal tap-roots are positively geotropic, grow deep into the soil, and lack root hairs in general. They are responsible for anchoring the plant in the soil and absorbing water and other minerals.
Near the ground surface, lateral branches emerge from the regular roots. Coralloid roots are lateral roots that become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, and algae. They grow horizontally in the earth at first, then swell at the tips.

Note:
Importance of Cycas -
The juice extracted from the young leaves of Cycas circinalis is used to treat skin conditions, blood vomiting, and stomach problems.
A purgative and emetic is made from the decoction of immature red seeds of C. circinalis.
The seeds of Cycas revoluta are made as a tincture and used to treat headaches, giddiness, and a sore throat.
Plants like Cycas revoluta and Cycas circinalis are planted for decorative purposes all over the world.
The Cycas revoluta wood is used to make miniature boxes and dishes.
Cycas leaves are used to make baskets, rugs, and other items due to their size.
Cycas circinalis seeds are employed as a fish poison in Democratic Kampuchea.