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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cycads and Palms?

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Cycads and palms are both seed plants with a similar overall appearance, but they belong to separate plant groups and have distinct differences. The key differences between cycads and palms include:

  • Reproduction: Cycads are gymnosperms (non-flowering plants) and reproduce through cone-like structures, while palms are angiosperms (flowering plants) and reproduce by flowers and fruits.
  • Family and Phylum: Cycads belong to the Cycadaceae family in the Cycadophyta phylum, while palms belong to the Arecaceae family in the Anthophyta phylum.
  • Leaves: Cycads have two rows of leaves along a stem that uncoil from the trunk, while palms have leaves that encircle the stem at the base and leave circular scars around the trunk.
  • Trunk: Cycads generally have a stocky trunk with little or no branching, while palms typically have slender trunks with no branches and a leafy bunch on top.
  • Seedlings: The young leaves of cycads are coiled, while the young leaves of palms are smaller versions of the mature leaves.

Despite these differences, both cycads and palms are prehistoric plants that can be traced back millions of years.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cycads and Palms?
  • Comparative Table: Cycads vs Palms

    • Comparative Table: Cycads vs Palms

    Here is a table comparing the differences between cycads and palms:

    Feature Cycads Palms
    Classification Gymnosperms (non-flowering plants) Angiosperms (flowering plants)
    Family Cycadaceae Arecaceae
    Phylum Cycadophyta Anthophyta (Phylum Plantae)
    Reproduction Cones Flowers and fruits
    Leaf Helmets Coiled Smaller versions of mature leaves
    Leaf Scars Helical Smooth
    The main difference between cycads and palms is that cycads are non-flowering plants (gymnosperms) while palms are flowering plants (angiosperms). Both plants have a whorl of leaves at the top and a central trunk often without branches. Cycads reproduce through cone-like structures, while palms reproduce by flowers and fruits. Young leaves of cycads are coiled, and the falling leaves leave a helical scar on the trunk, whereas young leaves of palms are small versions of mature leaves, and falling leaves make a smooth scar on the trunk.
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.