Sago Palm

Metroxylon sagu

Physical Characteristics

Metroxylon sagu is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Malaysia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Apical bud Fruit Stem Edible Uses: The pith of the stem is rich in starch. This has been widely used to make sago[297 ]. The stem is cut down shortly before the tree flowers, since the carbohydrate content is then at its highest[314 ]. It is chopped into sections and the fibrous inside is washed to extract the starch[200 , 297 ]. Hot water is poured over the slightly sour wet starch and stirred. The resulting glue-like mass is eaten with fish and vegetable dishes[303 ]. Usually, the wet starch extracted from the stems is boiled, fried or roasted, alone or mixed with other foodstuffs[418 ]. It is also used industrially in the manufacture of cakes, noodles, kerupuk and custard powders[418 ]. The fully ripe fruit is astringent, but is eaten as a delicacy by local people[301 ]. Apical bud - raw or cooked[418 ]. It is commonly steamed and eaten as a side dish with rice or added to stews[301 ]. Harvesting this bud effectively eventually kills the individual trunk because it is unable to make side branches[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling