Fern palm, also known as Cycas revoluta, is a species of cycad native to southern Japan. It is an evergreen plant that belongs to the family Cycadaceae. The term "fern palm" is derived from its characteristic feathery, fern-like leaves that resemble those of palm trees.
The fern palm typically grows in a compact, symmetrical rosette form, with a single, stout trunk that can reach heights of up to six feet. The trunk is covered with a coarse, fibrous material that gradually sheds as the plant matures. The leaves, or fronds, of the fern palm are glossy, dark green, and pinnately compound, meaning they are divided into numerous leaflets that emanate from a central axis. The leaflets are lance-shaped, leathery, and have revolute margins that give the plant its specific epithet, "revoluta."
Fern palms are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Male plants produce cylindrical, cone-like structures called strobili that contain pollen, while female plants produce larger, rounded cones that contain seeds. The cycad is pollinated by wind or insects, and the seed cones are a significant ornamental feature of the plant.
Fern palms are popular as ornamental plants due to their unique appearance and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. They are commonly used in landscapes and gardens, and are also found in botanical gardens and indoor plant collections. However, it is important to note that while the plant is visually appealing, all parts of the fern palm are toxic if ingested, and caution must be exercised around pets or small children.
