Are Cycads Edible

Slow-growing cycads are used as ornamental conservatory plants, but some survive outdoors in temperate regions (see Cycas). Starch from the stems of some cycads is edible after an alkaloid is removed by thorough cooking. The young leaves and seeds of other species also are edible.

Can you eat cycads?

The cycad seed contains cycasin toxin and should not be eaten as it is possible for cycasin toxin to survive the most vigorous of repeated washings.

Are cycad plants poisonous to humans?

Symptoms: If eaten, the raw fruit may cause headache and severe gastro-intestinal irritation including stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In a very few severe cases, liver damage, coma and death have been reported.