3a) Gymnosperms: Cycads

Male Cycad Cone

Female Cycad Cone

Close Up of Female Cycad Cone

Cycads have thick and sometimes sharp leaves. This is because of two main reasons, as elaborated below:

• Thick leaves reduce the rate of loss of water through transpiration especially during drought seasons.
• Sharp leaves are necessary to fend off herbivores and omnivores which graze on them.