Habitat: Everywhere but swamps
DAK Locale: Dinoland USA
Cycads are ancient plants. They lived side by side with the dinosaurs and are still thriving today. And since then, the have changed very little. Back during the age of the dinosaurs, cycads were found all over the world. However, as the ice age began to grip the planet, these once dominant species were restricted to the tropics. They persevered and now can again be found in virtually every habitat except swamps.
They are diverse. Some thrive in the blazing sun, while others grow in the near complete shade of a forest undergrowth. Some species are widespread, yet others are very limited in their range. Size also varies greatly amongst this family of plants.
All cycads, however, are gymnosperms. That translates to "naked seeds," which represents the fact they do not produce fruit or flowers to cover their seeds. Pine and cedar trees are common forms of gymnosperms but they are not cycads. Cycads at the Animal Kingdom are found in Dinoland USA. One great spot to see them is the Cretaceous Trail. Along this somewhat hidden corner of Dinoland are numerous examples of the cycads so take the time to check them out.
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