Botanical Treasure in Saharanpur: Uttar Pradesh's Oldest <i>Cycas</i> Revealed

Utkarsha Gupta; Suresh Kumar; Neeta Kushwaha; Manju Srivastava; Sarita Srivastava

doi:10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170908

Botanical Treasure in Saharanpur: Uttar Pradesh's Oldest Cycas Revealed

Authors

Utkarsha Gupta Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002-U.P.
Suresh Kumar Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002-U.P.
Neeta Kushwaha Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002-U.P.
Manju Srivastava Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002-U.P.
Sarita Srivastava Department of Botany, Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad College, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj-211002-U.P.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i12/170908

Keywords:

Ancient plant, Cycas circinalis, Endangered plant, Living fossil, Oldest plant.

Abstract

A massive female Cycas plant, believed to be approximately 300 years old, was recently discovered at the “Horticulture Experiment and Training Centre” in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. This remarkable endangered specimen exhibits distinct characteristics closely resembling a variant of the Cycas circinalis species. Its leaves, pattern of trunk, megasporophyll, and dentation pattern all align with those of Cycas circinalis. From a distance, it appears to be a massive, highly branched tree, but upon closer examination, it is revealed to be pseudo-branched, with well-developed bulbils emerging from the main trunk, creating the illusion of true branching. The plant boasts an expansive canopy spanning approximately 14.3 m and a height of 4.5 m, covering an area of 61.35 m². Notably, it features unusual aerial roots and coralloid roots hanging from its branches, possibly seeking additional support. Moreover, this plant exhibits six distinct types of megasporophylls within a single specimen.

References

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