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Microcycas
Microcycas is a genus of cycads in the family Zamiaceae containing only one species, Microcycas calocoma, endemic to a small area in western Cuba in Pinar del Río Province. It is estimated that there are 50-249 mature individuals left in the wild.
In its native range, Microcycas calocoma grows in small groups of 10–50 plants in montane forests at 85–250 m (280–820 ft) elevation. It also grows on the slopes of gullies and in open grassland and scrub at 50 m (160 ft) altitude. Soil types range from alkaline loam developed on limestone to acidic clays containing silica. In many of these groups of plants, however, the sex ratio is very unbalanced, resulting in a low output of seedlings. Humans have negatively impacted the species through forestry operations, clearing of land, and pesticide use. Because of the plant's graceful and ornamental appearance, harvesting of plants and seeds by growers has also seriously affected M. calocoma. Many populations are now protected in reserves.
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Microcycas by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
