Sago Palm, Queen sago, Fern Palm, Queen Sago Palm

Cycas circinalis

Physical Characteristics

Cycas circinalis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects, wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Indies.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Stem Edible Uses: Gum The pith is rich in carbohydrate and a sago can be made from it[2, 46, 61, 177]. This use will kill the plant[K]. The raw seed is poisonous, but after being cut into thin slices, dried, then steeped in water for a few minutes and dried again, it becomes edible[2, 61, 63, 146, 177]. It can be used as a sago[2]. Using the seed for food cannot be recommended, however. See the notes above on toxicity. The very young leaves are edible[177]. The plant yields a gum[64, 146, 171]. No further details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Narcotic Poultice Stomachic The pollen is narcotic[240]. The bark and the seeds are ground to a paste with oil and used as a poultice on sores and swellings[240]. The juice of tender leaves is useful in the treatment of flatulence and vomiting[240].

Known Hazards

The plants contain alkaloids of carcinogens and also an amino-acid that causes chronic nervous disorders[200]. Regular consumption of the plant leads to severe health problems and death. This toxic principle can be removed if the food is properly prepared but consumption of the plant still cannot be recommended because its use often means the death of the plant and it is becoming rare in the wild.