Palm ferns, also known as cycads, are a group of primitive, seed-bearing plants that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. They are not true ferns, but rather are more closely related to conifers and ginkgos.

Palm ferns have a distinctive appearance, with a stout trunk and large, stiff leaves that are often arranged in a rosette at the top. The leaves are typically pinnate or bipinnate, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets that give them a feathery or fern-like appearance. The leaves are usually dark green, but may be tinged with blue or silver.

Palm ferns are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. The male plants produce cone-like structures called strobili that release pollen, while the female plants produce large, fleshy cones that contain seeds. Some species of palm ferns can live for hundreds of years, and can grow to be quite large, with trunks that can reach several meters in height.

Palm ferns are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, and are often used in landscaping and horticulture due to their unique appearance and hardiness. However, some species are endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection, and are protected by international conservation laws.