Tough and leathery, cycads are known as ‘living fossils’ because this plant group has survived, almost unchanged in it’s shape and form since the Jurassic era.
To see further examples of this week’s photo challenge “Relic” check out the following link.
Nature on the Edge 
That’s a great interpretation of the weekly photo challenge. It kind of reminds me of a pineapple.
Thanks MM, intriguingly the ‘pineapple’ are the female parts of the plant; the males shapes are more elongated……
One can almost picture the dinosaurs alongside those Cycads! Very interesting post, Liz. The living “fossil” plant here is Horsetail, (Equisetum). A vascular plant that reproduces by spores rather than seeds. This species dates back over 100 million years to late Paleozoic forests.
Thank you for the thought-provoking post, and inspiration for taking a look at our local “fossil” plants 🙂
Jane
Hi Jane, isn’t the evolution of plants a fascinating subject. Coincidentally i recently come across horsetail, clubmoss and quillwort; such antiquity!!
Relic plant is interesting.
Thanks Bente … they are protected now in the wild and the cultivated ones have be registered.
Love the shot!
Thanks Rajiv.
Of course you would come up with something different Liz – brilliant, and what a plant!
🙂 🙂
Cool! And a great choice for the challenge. Well done Liz!
Thanks Tina, and as always i enjoyed your post too.
Great take on the challenge, Liz. Cycads are truly fascinating plants, and with such a rich history going way back in time. 🙂