Cycas is a gymnosperm that exhibits several unique characteristics. It has an unbranched stem, which is typically stout and columnar, and produces coralloid roots that contain nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. Its leaves are pinnate, meaning they are feather-like and compound. However, unlike most gymnosperms, Cycas does not produce a true female cone. Instead, the megasporophylls (female reproductive structures) are loosely arranged in a rosette and are not organized into a compact cone-like structure, as seen in other gymnosperms like Pinus. Therefore, the structure not present in Cycas is the female cone.