Cycas revoluta (King Sago Palm, Fern Palm, Sago Palm)

Botanical Information

FamilyCycadaceae
GenusCycas
Speciesrevoluta
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginKyushu, Japan.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Contains alkaloids of carcinogens and also an amino-acid that causes chronic nervous disorders. Regular consumption leads to severe health problems and death. This toxicity can be removed if properly prepared, but use often means the death of the plant and it is becoming rare in the wild.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10a - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)1 - 5
Temperature (°F)34 -40
Height1 - 3.5 m
Spread1 - 3 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLong-lived tropical plant botanically closer to conifers than to palms.
ID CharacteristicA crown of shiny, arching, palm-like leaves sprout atop a shaggy upright trunk.
LandscapeTemperate gardens as a potted plant where it is indoors during the winter months. In more tropical climates it is frequently grown as either a specimen or grouped as a landscape plant.
PropagationSown from seed.
CultivationGrows best in medium to heavy, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerant to some drought.
Notable SpecimensFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America. Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, United States of America.
HabitatForest undergrowth.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThick and corky bark.
Leaf DescriptionBears 54 - 110 flat leaflets, arranged opposite each other along the central stem. Leaves are long, measuring 1.5 - 1.7 m in length.
Flower DescriptionMale and female flowers found in separate plants, in the form of cones. Male cones are terminal. Female cones are around the apex of the stem. Flowering highly variable.
Fruit DescriptionBearing ellipsoid or globose smooth seeds.
Colour DescriptionLeaves and seeds are bright green and the bark is brown.
Texture DescriptionLeaves are smooth and glossy.

Photographs