Cycas micronesica is Guam’s only native gymnosperm, which is a plant that reproduces by an exposed seed or ovule. This plant could grow to 8 m or more in height and its leaves are up to 1.8 m long. The majority of articles written about Guam’s flora include this massive plant species and its horticultural value. This species holds value since C. micronesica seeds have long been a source of flour in Guam (Safford, 1905). It is not currently considered endangered, but is protected along with other cycads. Cycad’s largest population is located on the northern tip of the island and also occurs in central and southern Guam.

This species, however, had a significant population decrease due to Supertyphoon Paka. In 1997, forecasters predicted that typhoons affecting the Western Pacific region would expand later in the season. In December 1997, Supertyphon Paka proved this prediction correct when it passed by the northern tip of Guam. As the typhoon approached Guam, a double eye wall appeared. The outer eyewall passed over the central part of the island, while the inner eye walla remained off the northern tip. The outer eye wall collapsed over Guam, as the typhoon grew stronger as it moved away from the island. 

Damage to individual C. micronesica plants varied, ranging from complete destruction to little or no visible damage. The following categories were used to assess the damage of the northern population: no apparent damage, loss of canopy cover, invasive vine growth, partial defoliation, complete defoliation, decapitation, stem broken at or near soil, uprooting and toppling, and impaction by falling trees.

Image Source: Guam Plant Extinction Prevention Program

Cycas micronesica

Reference : Marler T, Hirsh H. Guam’s Cycas micronesica populations ravaged by Supertyphoon Paka. HortScience. 1998;33(7):1116-1118.