Beddome’s Cycas

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Beddome’s Cycas

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cycas circinalis var. beddomei

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Cycadidae and the order Cycadales, falling into the family Cycadaceae. Ultimately, Cycas beddomei is categorized under the genus Cycas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is a rare species with a very limited geographical range. It is found exclusively within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, its distribution is restricted to certain regions in India. Because of this narrow habitat, it is considered an endemic species to the country. Protecting its specific natural environment is essential for its survival in the wild.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Cycas beddomei is characterized by its specialized growth habits, primarily functioning as a phanerophyte, where its reproductive structures and perennial organs are elevated above the ground surface. Within its ecological niche, it can also exhibit characteristics of a nanophanerophyte, depending on the developmental stage and environmental stressors affecting its stature. As a gymnosperm, its life cycle is dominated by a long-lived sporophyte generation that undergoes a slow, rhythmic development. The plant follows a dioecious reproductive strategy, where distinct male and female individuals produce specialized cones (strobili). The life history involves a complex alternation of generations, including a microscopic gametophyte stage that occurs within the protective confines of the sporophyte tissues. This plant is highly adapted to its specific rocky habitats, often utilizing its robust root system and specialized coralloid roots to facilitate nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor substrates, ensuring its survival through long periods of dormancy and seasonal environmental shifts.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Cycas beddomei is characterized by a robust, self-supporting growth habit, as it functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own physiological processes without reliance on a host. As a terrestrial species, it is not an epiphyte but grows directly in the soil of its native habitat. Furthermore, the structural integrity of the plant is defined by its woody nature, possessing a perennial, woody stem that provides the necessary stability for its development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cycas beddomei has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Cycas beddomei has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Hypoglycemic, Purgative.

Analgesic

1. Bioinformation

Hypoglycemic

1. Bioinformation

Purgative

1. Bioinformation