Karen pointed out this “cycad” (which is *not* a “palm”) early last week as it was shooting up new “leaves.” It has been fascinating watching these leaves erupt in the center from the ground.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a very good shot; I was too close (and apparently too lazy to climb out, change lenses and climb back in)! These new leaves are soft, as you might expect, but the old leaves that I had to part and hold out of the way are anything *but* soft. Indeed they are quite “spiny.”
“Cycads” were the main food source for herbivores millions of years ago and it’s interesting to realize that the spiny old leaves on the outside were no problem for the long-necked herbivores who could lower their head right into the center and chomp off the soft new leaves in the center.
Slow-growing, apparently Cycas revoluta will only shoot out new leaves once per year. This is one aspect of the species that makes it popular as an ornamental plant; read more at Dave’s Garden, http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3342/
Retired economics professor (“dismal scientist”). Married 40+ years to the love of my life; we have two grown daughters, both married, two granddaughters and a...