This whopper-of-a-cycad is Australia's largest cycas species. In the wild, of northern Australia, is grows to 15 feet tall, with reports to 36 feet. Although Australian Aborigines consume these two inch long seeds, they are deadly, unless properly prepared through correct soaking, fermenting, and/or grinding, etc. Do not consume these seeds.
CAUTION: DO NOT CONSUME THIS SEED. "In its natural state the seed is highly toxic to mammals. The Australians recognized this danger, and responded by two methods. They removed the toxins by leaching with water for three to five days and then baking the starch; or they allowed the kernels to ferment before cooking and eating them. Note that the kernels contain carcinogens, and are not recommended for human consumption, even prepared through traditional methods." - Wikipedia [
EDIBLE SEED: SEE CAUTION ABOVE - DO NOT INGEST THIS TOXIC SEED. “The ripe fruits are soaked in running water for 2- 3 days to remove any toxins, they are then ground into a flour to make a damper." [2,3] Wikipedia writes, "The seed-like kernels of the cycad palm were eaten by aboriginal Australians because of the seed's high starch content. The seeds ripened during the dry season, when other foods consumed by native hunter-gatherers were scarce. A large grove represented a huge natural food source, and would be exploited by several native band groups. In its natural state the seed is highly toxic to mammals. The Australians recognized this danger, and responded by two methods. They removed the toxins by leaching with water for three to five days and then baking the starch; or they allowed the kernels to ferment before cooking and eating them. Note that the kernels contain carcinogens, and are not recommended for human consumption, even prepared through traditional methods."
More Details
References
[1] The Archives of the Rare Fruit Council of Australia
[2] Plants and People; Aboriginal uses of plants on Groote Eylandt, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Canberrra, Levitt, D. (1987)
[3] Ethnobotanical Field Notes from the Northern Territory, Australia. Journal of Adelaide Botanic Gardens 14, Smith, N.M. (1991)
[2] Plants and People; Aboriginal uses of plants on Groote Eylandt, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Canberrra, Levitt, D. (1987)
[3] Ethnobotanical Field Notes from the Northern Territory, Australia. Journal of Adelaide Botanic Gardens 14, Smith, N.M. (1991)
Last Updated: October 28, 2017