Cycadetum

The Cycadetum is an important taxonomic section dedicated to the Cycadopsida group, a class of primitive seed plants. This substantial collection features true living fossils: gymnosperms primarily originating from the Southern Hemisphere dating back to the Mesozoic era.

The Botanical Garden is home to the first specimen of Cycas revoluta — a gift from Maria Carolina of Bourbon — planted in 1799. This plant is recognized as the first open-air specimen of its species cultivated in Europe.

Today, the collection includes approximately half of all known cycad species. The collection features several notable outdoor specimens, including Encephalartos longifolius, Encephalartos woodii, and Macrozamia moorei, making it one of the Garden’s most prestigious and historically significant botanical assets.

To this taxonomic group, specific spaces have been dedicated near the Palmetum and in the vicinity of the large Ficus. Some flowerbeds, near the Serra Carolina, are instead dedicated to the genera Encephalartos and Cycas.

The history of Cycadaceae dates back to the Late Permian period (250 million years ago) and reached its peak during the Jurassic period (170 million years ago). Together with ferns, horsetails and other gymnosperms, they characterised the flora of the Mesozoic era.

There are 10 genera and over 300 known species, whose number has increased steadily over the years and may continue to grow.

Cycadaceae are dioecious plants; the strobili bear ovules or pollen sacs which, when ripe, can release heat and odour.