A cycad is a type of seed plant belonging to the order Cycadales, characterized by a stout and woody trunk, large, often feathery leaves, and a crown of leaves at the top. Cycads are ancient plants that resemble palms or ferns but are more closely related to conifers. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and are notable for their unique reproductive structures, with some species producing cones. Cycads are often considered “living fossils” due to their long evolutionary history.