The megasporophylls of Cycas are distinct, leaf-like structures arranged spirally, not forming a compact cone. Each megasporophyll typically has a stalk, a fertile region with exposed ovules, and a sterile, apical lamina. Variations primarily concern the lamina's morphology and ovule number.

In Cycas revoluta, the megasporophyll has a deeply pinnate, comb-like sterile apex and bears 2 to 12 ovules. This appearance would highlight a distinctly feathery top with ovules along the margin. Contrarily, Cycas circinalis displays a less dissected lamina, often only slightly lobed or nearly entire, usually bearing 4 to 8 ovules. This would show a broader, less incised apex. Cycas rumphii shows intermediate features, with a moderately dissected lamina and 4 to 6 ovules. These differences in the leafy, sterile apex and ovule count define species-specific structural variations.

Primitive Features in Cycas
Cycas is often considered a "living fossil" due to several primitive traits that link it to ancient plant forms:

1. Motile Sperms: It possesses large, multi-flagellated sperms that swim to fertilize the egg, a characteristic shared with lower plants like ferns and unique among most seed plants.
2. Leaf-like Megasporophylls: The megasporophylls are not aggregated into a true cone, retaining their distinct, foliage-like structure, signifying an earlier evolutionary stage.
3. Archegonia: The presence of archegonia within the ovule, a primitive female reproductive organ common in pteridophytes and bryophytes.
4. Circinate Vernation: Young leaves uncoil from a "fiddlehead" configuration, a trait typical of ferns.
5. Ramenta: The presence of a hairy covering on young parts, similar to some ferns.