Cycas micronesica

Cycas micronesica

Cycadaceae

 

About

Scientific Name: Cycas micronesica Common Name: Federico Nut, Cycad Chammoro Name: Fadang

Description

Form: Cycas is a palm-like, usually unbranched tree that reaches a height of 3–5 m with a thick trunk. Frond: Modified leaves or megasporophylls grow out in a rosette from the crown of the female tree bearing ovules in their margins. Leaves: The pinnate leaves or fronds are crowded at the crown and arranged in spirals.

Propagation: The large cone that grows out of the crown of the male tree is tan-colored.

Comments

The hard-shelled, glossy, brown seeds of the female plant are extremely poisonous, containing hydrocyanic acid (cyanide), however, when they are split and repeatedly soaked in water, the poison is released. The pulp can then be dried and ground into a flour that probably was a staple food of the ancient Chamorros. It is still occasionally used for making (tatiyas) tortillas. The preparation of fadang should only be attempted under the supervision of a knowledgeable Guamanian.

Original Source: Plants of Guam, i tinanom guahan siha. Phil H. Moore and Pat D. McMakin

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