Ceylon sago, False sago
Cycas rumphii

Family: Cycadaceae

What it is like

A palm like plant. The plant can be 3-10 m high. The trunk is not swollen at the base. The trunk is covered with the bases of the old leaves. The leaves have leathery leaflets with a distinct midrib. The leaves are something like feathers. They are 1-2 m long and have leaflets along the stalk. These leaflets are 28 cm long by 2 cm wide. A cone of thick leaves with large seeds is produced at the top. They are separately male and female plants. The seeds are 3-4 cm across with a thin fleshy covering and a starchy centre.

There are about 20-40 Cycas species. In Slovenia possibly in hot house.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They occur in tropical lowland areas in grassland and forest. They grow from sea level to 700 m altitude. They are more common in places with a dry seasonal climate. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Andamans, Australia, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, East Timor, Fiji, Guam, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The pith is processed to extract the starch during times of food shortage. The seeds are sometimes eaten after treatment by slicing, fermenting for 2 weeks and then cooking. They can be used for flour. The very young unfolded leaves are cooked and eaten in Malaysia. CAUTION The young leaves are poisonous to cattle. The seeds are poisonous unless treated. They contain a toxic glucoside. They contain Hydrocyanic acid.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, stem starch

How it is grown

They can be grown from seeds. Plants, especially damaged ones produce suckers.

It is a slow growing plant. Plants for sago need to be 7 years old and not to have flowered.

Its other names

Local names

Babai, Bait, Bogak, Chatale, Fadang, Godduyicalu, Kama, Kilakora, Laupama, Maphrao-sida, Mondaing, Mong-tain, Mwaere, Nyia nwasipoyi, Paipai ro, Paiyindu, Pakas raja, Pakis haji, Paku gajah, Paku laut, Patorr, Pitogo, Pitugo, Prong-tha-le, Prong, Queen sago, Ranaguvva, Rosaimaro, Ruvoruvo, Sikas pakis haji, Sikas ratu sagu, Sauang, Takwaruru, Taronarona, Thien tue, Tutappana

Synonyms

Cycas circinalis L.;