Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, is a slow-growing cycad native to southern Japan. Despite its palm-like appearance, it is not a true palm. The plant features a stout trunk topped with a crown of dark green, feather-like leaves. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Sago Palm is valued for its resilience and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, making it suitable for restoring degraded lands. It serves as an understory plant in food forests, providing structural diversity and habitat for beneficial organisms. Historically, it has been used ornamentally in Japanese gardens. However, caution is advised as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, limiting its use in food forests.
Growing Details
Sago Palm prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. It requires full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. Mulching with organic material can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include drought-tolerant species like lavender and rosemary. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Propagation is typically done through offsets or seeds, though seed germination can be slow and erratic. The plant is slow-growing and can take seve
Edible Parts
Seed
Tags
Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Cycas revoluta</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to southern Japan
applicable geo region: Asia
language used: en
Flowering:
?
Harvest:
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Seed Start:
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Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses: The seeds can be processed to remove toxins and used to make sago, a starch. This involves leaching the seeds to remove cycasin, but due to the complexity and risk of poisoning, it is not recommended for general consumption.
Medicinal Rating:
(1/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine, particularly in Asia, for their purported anti-inflammatory properties. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, and the plant's toxicity poses significant risks.
health concerns: All parts of the Sago Palm are toxic if ingested, containing cycasin, which can cause liver failure and neurological damage. Extreme caution should be exercised around pets and children.
other uses: The plant is primarily used for ornamental purposes in landscaping, valued for its aesthetic appeal and drought tolerance.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Cycas revoluta
common names: Sago Palm; King Sago; Japanese Sago Palm
family: Cycadaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Cycas
Growing Conditions
area needed: 1.5 m
spacing: 1.5 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: High
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(9/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Late
growth rate: Fast
max height: 3.0 m
max width: 2.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: Sago Palm prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. It requires full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. Mulching with organic material can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include drought-tolerant species like lavender and rosemary. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Propagation is typically done through offsets or seeds, though seed germination can be slow and erratic. The plant is slow-growing and can take seve
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include scale insects and mealybugs. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray to control infestations. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
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