Dioecious plants up to 4 m tall, usually unbranched. Leaves forming a crown at the top of the stem, pinnate. Male cone terminal, 25 ‑45 cm long, elongated,

Grown outdoors or in green houses as an ornamental. The pith contains starch and is said to be carcinogenic. Vegetative propagation is by bulbils. Male plants not known from Pakistan; Distribution: Native to S. Japan, widely cultivated elsewhere.

*Retired since 1st July, 1986