Käpypalmuissa

Käpypalmuissa, scientifically known as cycads, are an ancient order of seed-bearing vascular plants. They are often mistaken for palms or ferns due to their appearance, but they belong to their own distinct division, Cycadophyta. Käpypalmuissa are characterized by their stout, unbranched stems, often resembling a pineapple, and a crown of large, compound leaves that grow from the top. These leaves are typically tough and leathery, an adaptation to arid environments.

Unlike true palms, käpypalmuissa are gymnosperms, meaning their seeds are not enclosed within a fruit but are exposed on the surface of cone-like structures. Both male and female cones are produced, with the female cones usually being larger and more conspicuous. Reproduction in käpypalmuissa often involves specialized pollinators, such as beetles.

These plants have a long evolutionary history, with fossils dating back to the Permian period, over 280 million years ago. They were particularly diverse and abundant during the Mesozoic Era, often referred to as the "Age of Cycads," when they were a dominant plant group. Today, käpypalmuissa are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with the highest diversity in areas like Central America, Australia, and South Africa. Many species are now endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection.