It seems like you're referring to Cycads, often spelled Cycass. Cycads are an ancient group of plants, often mistaken for palms or ferns, but they belong to the order Cycadales. They are known for their striking, tropical appearance and can be quite ornamental. Here's a detailed overview:

Cycads Overview:

Cycads are perennial plants that have been around for more than 300 million years. They are part of the group of gymnosperms, meaning they produce seeds but do not have flowers. These plants are often recognized by their stout, woody trunks and large, feathery, evergreen leaves. Despite their resemblance to palms, they are actually a different type of plant entirely.

Key Characteristics of Cycads:

1. Appearance:

   • Cycads typically have a thick, trunk-like stem that is usually unbranched. The trunks can be short or tall, depending on the species.
   • The leaves are large, stiff, and leathery, often resembling those of ferns or palm trees. They are arranged in a rosette pattern and can be pinnate (feather-like) or palmate (fan-like).
   • The leaves tend to be dark green but can have variations in texture and color depending on the species.

2. Flowers and Reproduction:

   • Cycads are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants.
   • Male cycads produce cone-like structures that release pollen, while female cycads produce large, cone-shaped structures that contain seeds.
   • Cycads are not flowering plants, so they don't have the typical flowers that other plants might display. Instead, they rely on cones for reproduction, similar to conifers like pines and firs.

3. Fruit/Seed:

   • Female plants produce large, often colorful seed cones, which contain seeds that can be dispersed by wind or animals.
   • The seeds are often toxic to humans and animals if ingested.

Growing Conditions:

1. Light:

   • Cycads thrive in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. However, they will grow more vigorously and produce more attractive leaves when exposed to plenty of light.

2. Watering:

   • They prefer moderately moist, well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
   • During the growing season (spring to summer), they need more water, but during the dormant season (fall to winter), watering should be reduced.

3. Soil:

   • Cycads prefer well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. They can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0–7.0).
   • Ensure that the soil is not too heavy or prone to retaining water.

4. Temperature:

   • Cycads are suited to warm climates and can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. They can tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant.
   • They do best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) and should be protected from cold winds.

5. Humidity:

   • Cycads are native to tropical and subtropical regions, so they prefer moderate to high humidity but can adapt to drier conditions if necessary.