Uttarakhand Forest Department has established the state’s first Cycad Garden in Haldwani, covering over 2 acres. It features 31 cycad species, including 17 threatened ones, and aims to promote biodiversity conservation, research, and public awareness.
Funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the garden is part of a broader initiative supporting environmental sustainability in India.
Key Facts about Cycad Garden
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Haldwani, Uttarakhand |
| Launched by | Uttarakhand Forest Department |
| Funding Agency | Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) |
| Area Covered | Over 2 acres (~0.75 hectare) |
| No. of Cycad Species | 31 species; 17 classified as threatened |
| Indian Species Featured | Cycas andamanica, Cycas beddomei, Cycas zeylanica, Cycas pectinata, Cycas circinalis |
Objectives of Cycad Garden
- Conservation of one of the most threatened plant groups.
- Promote research in plant evolution and the impact of climate change.
- Raise public awareness about the ecological significance of cycads.
- Serve as a biodiversity hub and educational center.
Notable Indian Cycad Species Featured
| Species | Native Region |
| Cycas annaikalensis | Kerala |
| Cycas orixensis | Eastern Ghats, Odisha |
| Cycas beddomei | Andhra Pradesh |
| Cycas andamanica | Andaman Islands |
| Cycas circinalis | Western Ghats |
What are Cycads?
- Ancient Seed Plants dating back to the Mesozoic era (age of dinosaurs).
- Known as “living fossils” due to their evolutionary longevity.
- Globally recognized as the most threatened plant group on Earth.
- Uses: Traditionally used in food, medicine, and cultural rituals.
Vulnerabilities:
- Slow growth & low reproductive rate.
- Highly sensitive to habitat loss and climate change.
Ecological Importance:
- Fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with cyanobacteria in coralloid roots.
- Support forest ecosystems and soil health.