Few other plants, with the possible exception of palms, can rival cycads for variety of foliage, size, and form. In spite of such diversity, however, cycads represent an ancient lineage whose fossil history extends over 200 million years. Cycads are tough and durable, not only as survivors but also as ornamental plants of great intrinsic interest. Yet cycads in the wild are endangered. Whitelock has spent decades studying cycads in their natural habitats around the world and in cultivation. Through his efforts, a well-documented program of propagation has made an increasing variety of cycads available to those who wish to grow and know more about them.