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About The Cycas Pectinata

Context:

Recently, a new study by five botanists has revealed that the Cycas pectinata plant’s existence in the Himalayan country is threatened by overcollection as an ornamental plant and habitat destruction.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

  1. Cycas pectinata
  2. Significance

Cycas pectinata:

  • Cycas pectinata belongs to the family Cycadaceae and is the only cycad species found in Bhutan.
  • It is an evergreen, palm-like plant.
  • Cycads are one of the most ancient gymnosperms, with a possible origin in the late Carboniferous period 300-325 million years ago.
  • Gymnosperms have open-to-air unfertilized seeds to be directly fertilized by pollination.
Conservation status:
  • Cycas pectinata is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN.

Significance:

  • Cycads contain valuable genetic information for scientific research and conservation efforts.
  • They are bridges in major evolutionary transitions in plants and remain indispensable for understanding the origin and subsequent evolution of seed plants.
  • Cycas pectinata has cultural and economic significance for native populations.
  • Some locals in northeast India use the plant for religious ceremonies.
  • Locals in some places (of Bhutan) use its seeds as a supplement to their diet, and young leaves are eaten as a substitute for vegetables.

-Source: The Hindu


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