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How many living cycad species are known?
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Cycadophyte
Cycas circinalis.
There are approximately 310 known living species of cycads, which are members of the division Cycadophyta. These palmlike gymnospermous plants are organized into three extant families:
- Cycadaceae: Contains about 115 defined species.1
- Stangeriaceae: Includes 3 species.1
- Zamiaceae: Contains about 190 species.1
Collectively, these families comprise 10 to 11 genera. Due to their popularity as ornamental plants, many of these species have faced overharvesting in the wild, leading to concerns regarding their conservation status.1