Cycas revoluta

sagopalmfull
(Photo by Asia Comer)

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Taxonomy (2,3)

Classification: Gymnosperm
Family: Cycadaceae
Common name: Japanese sago, Sago palm

General Information (2,3)

Region of Origin: Japan
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-10
Growth Habit: Shrub to tree

  • Size: 10-12 feet

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Simple/Compound: Compound
  • Other: 4-5 feet long

sagopalmleaf
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Stem/Bark 

sagopalmstem
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Male Cone (2)

  • Color: Yellow
  • Size: 1-1.5 feet

Female cone (2)

  • Size: 1.5 inches
  • Color: Orange

sagopalmseedcones
(Photo by Jessica Bartek)

Horticultural Information (1,2)

  • Light: Full sun to full shade
  • Soil type: Sandy
  • Maintenance: Needs pruning annually
  • Landscape Uses: Container and landscape

Interesting Facts (2)

  • This plant is toxic

References

1) Bardot, J. How to cut back a sago palm. San Fransico Chronicle. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/cut-back-sago-palm-21083.html
2) Scheper, J. (1997). Cycas revoluta.  Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/cyca_rev.cfm
3) United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Cycas revoluta thunb.. Retrieved from website: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=Cyre11

Prepared by Asia Comer as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek