Cycas revoluta is also called the iron tree. The reason why it is called the iron tree is because it is as hard as iron and likes iron-containing fertilizers. In addition, Tieshu is also called Fengwei banana because its branches and leaves resemble phoenix tails, and its trunk resembles the trunks of plantains and pine trees. Cycas revoluta is the same plant as Cycas revoluta in the so-called "Cycads bloom". It is an evergreen plant with slow growth and a lifespan of more than 2,000 years. The stems are relatively thick and the plant height can reach 8 meters. A round of new leaves emerges. The flowering period is from July to August, but the flowering of the iron tree is often irregular, and it is not easy to see the flowering. The plants that are more than 10 years old can bloom, so there is a saying that "the millennium iron tree blooms", which means that the flowering is less. Dioecious, with male flowers on the inside of the leaves and female flowers on the top of the stem. It likes strong sunlight, slightly tolerant to partial shade, likes warm and dry environment, not very cold-resistant, likes fertile, moist and slightly acidic soil, but it can also tolerate drought, so it is mostly planted in the south.

When cultivating Cycas revoluta at home, it is generally not suitable to buy plants that are too large. Usually, medium pots with a diameter of 20 to 30 cm are used. Because the iron tree is not resistant to water stains, it is necessary to pay attention to timely drainage after rain. Cycas revoluta likes sunshine. In spring and autumn, it is best to keep the seedlings in direct sunlight, but not in the sun. After the new leaves grow, move them indoors for viewing. In winter, when the temperature is below 0 degrees, it should be moved indoors for winter. In April of the second year, move it out of the house and change the pot every 2 to 3 years. In the warm regions of southern China, it can be planted in the courtyard in the open field. In colder regions, it should be wrapped in straw in winter. When the growth is strong in spring and summer, it needs to be watered more. In the high temperature period of summer, it is necessary to spray water on the leaves in the morning and evening to keep the leaves green and fresh. Fertilizer and water for decomposed cakes can be applied once a month. People should control the watering after autumn, and the daily management should master the proper amount of watering, because too much water is prone to root rot. During the growth process of the iron tree, when the trunk of the plant is as high as 40-50 cm and the new leaves grow, the lower withered yellow leaves should be cut off for a round or at least once every two years to keep the tree shape neat and plump.
Cycas revoluta is a plant of Cycas revoluta family Cycas revoluta, and its leaves, roots, flowers and seeds can be used as medicine. Roots and leaves can be harvested in four seasons, flowers in summer, seeds in autumn and winter, and sun-dried. Cycas revoluta has a small toxicity, and its toxic site is the pith at the top of the seed and stem. People may experience dizziness and vomiting after being poisoned. Its medicinal functions are:
1. Root: It has the functions of expelling wind and activating collaterals and invigorating the kidney. It is mainly used for tuberculosis and hemoptysis, kidney deficiency, toothache, lumbago, leucorrhea, rheumatism and joint numbness and pain and traumatic injury.
2. Leaf: It has the functions of astringent hemostasis, detoxification and pain relief, mainly used for various bleeding, gastritis, gastric ulcer, hypertension, neuralgia, amenorrhea, cancer and other diseases.
3. Flower: It has the functions of regulating qi and relieving pain, invigorating the kidney and solidifying essence. It is mainly used for the treatment of stomach pain, nocturnal emission, leucorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
4. Seeds: It has the effect of calming the liver and lowering blood pressure, and is mainly used for the treatment of hypertensive patients.
Be aware, however, that Cycas revoluta seeds and stem tops are poisonous, so use with caution.