C. Circinalis or Thouarsii?

[GDLWyverex]

One of my Cycas is coning and I am wondering if there is a way of determining whether it's Circinalis or Thouarsii from the cone:

I think that the one that is coning is thouarsii and the one in the rear that is flushing is circinalis based upon the thickness of the trunk. The one that is in the front is much thicker than the one that is in the rear.

The mealy bugs are dead and have been dealt with.

Thanks

 

Richard

Edited May 20, 2021 by GDLWyverex

[Tracy]

6 hours ago, GDLWyverex said:

One of my Cycas is coning and I am wondering if there is a way of determining whether it's Circinalis or Thouarsii from the cone:

I think that the one that is coning is thouarsii and the one in the rear that is flushing is circinalis based upon the thickness of the trunk. The one that is in the front is much thicker than the one that is in the rear.

Well that's a puzzle... So your assumption is that a Cycas thouarsii will be thicker than Cycas circinalis? The male cone above isn't fully mature as it isn't opened up yet, so I would say wait a bit on that diagnostic tool.  Tell us a little about the odor from the cone when it does open.  Is it strong and what does it smell like if it does have an odor you can sense?  Also what makes you suspect Cycas thouarsii and circinalis in the first place versus one of the other Cycas, was it that you acquired them as C thouarsii and C circinalis and now want to confirm the seller's representations?

In general, cones are very helpful diagnostic tools, but you do have to look at the "whole enchilada" as we say, not just one ingredient.  In that context, I would suggest showing leaflet forms, mature leaves of each plant, with your suspected id for each.   I believe you will find at least one Cycas thouarii cone in this thread as well as in the mega thread on Cycad flushes and cones to compare:

Let us know what you conclude.

[GDLWyverex]

2 hours ago, Tracy said:

Well that's a puzzle... So your assumption is that a Cycas thouarsii will be thicker than Cycas circinalis? The male cone above isn't fully mature as it isn't opened up yet, so I would say wait a bit on that diagnostic tool.  Tell us a little about the odor from the cone when it does open.  Is it strong and what does it smell like if it does have an odor you can sense?  Also what makes you suspect Cycas thouarsii and circinalis in the first place versus one of the other Cycas, was it that you acquired them as C thouarsii and C circinalis and now want to confirm the seller's representations?

In general, cones are very helpful diagnostic tools, but you do have to look at the "whole enchilada" as we say, not just one ingredient.  In that context, I would suggest showing leaflet forms, mature leaves of each plant, with your suspected id for each.   I believe you will find at least one Cycas thouarii cone in this thread as well as in the mega thread on Cycad flushes and cones to compare:

 

They were not labeled when I acquired them at different times from different sources.

Looking a hundreds of photos lead me to Thouarsii and/or Circinalis as possible IDs as well as a sudden influx of the 2 in Mexico of late

Pictures seem to show Circinalis with narrow tall trunks while the Thouarsii pics seem thicker trunked.

It seems that one might be a Madagascar var of the other

I will pay attention to the odors that it eminates when it's cone opens and report

Thanks

 

Richard

[Reyes Vargas]

19 hours ago, GDLWyverex said:

The mealy bugs are dead and have been dealt with

How did you deal with the mealy bugs?

[GDLWyverex]

2 hours ago, Reyes Vargas said:

How did you deal with the mealy bugs?

I have gotten quite adept at dealing with them as it seems that every time a cycad begins to flush, they converge. I have some 50 or more cycads and have learned that a dose of systemic along with a good spraying of diazanon when the bugs first appear results in dead bugs and little or no damage to the flush.

I only go on the defensive if the bugs attack, otherwise I am delighted NOT to use poisons in the garden.

 

Richard