The WCCS supports Cycad education and research, including field studies of Cycad colonies and habitats. Brief description of Cycads . The cycads are a small group of plants with many unique features, an ancient origin and a very long history. Although once abundant across the globe the cycads are now greatly reduced both in numbers and distribution. There are now about 275 species in 11 genera, compared to possibly 300,000 species of flowering plants, the group that now dominates the world vegetation.
All cycads are tropical or subtropical and each genus has a restricted geographic range.
The WCCS proposes these activities in the pursuit of sharing Cycad horticulture, conservation, scientific study and enjoyment of these wondrous and ancient plants. The Founding Committee believes that the WCCS has a great role to play in the promotion of Cycads locally in Southern California and hopefully elsewhere, within the United States and internationally. The WCCS acknowledges the desire to work with the Cycad Society and create the necessary mechanism to develop as a chapter organization. The WCCS is developing at this time a proposal to prospective members. Membership dues have not been established at this time.