Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, also known as the Sago Palm, is a species of gymnosperm in the family Cycadaceae, native to southern Japan. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm.

Description

Cycas revoluta is an evergreen perennial plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are a deep semigloss green and about 50–150 cm long when mature. It is a dioecious species, with male and female reproductive organs occurring on separate plants.

Distribution and habitat

Cycas revoluta is native to the Ryukyu Islands and other parts of southern Japan. It grows in habitats that include scrub and dry forests.

Cultivation

Cycas revoluta is one of the most widely cultivated cycads, grown outdoors in warm temperate and subtropical regions, or under glass in colder areas. It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil, and prefers full sun to light shade.

Uses

The pith contains edible starch, and is used for making sago. In addition to its use as a food source, Cycas revoluta is also popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are toxic to animals if ingested, due to the presence of cycasin, a toxin that can cause vomiting, liver failure, and death.

Conservation

Cycas revoluta is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population.

See also

• List of Cycas species
• Cycadaceae