Queen sago, Sago cycad
Cycas circinalis
Family: Cycadaceae
What it is like
A palm like plant. 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 with a series of leaflets on each side of the leaf stalk. The leaves are in a cluster at the top of the trunk. A cone of thick leaves with large seeds is produced at the top. There are separate 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. Some of these in Papua New Guinea are now classified as Cycas apoa.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It occurs locally and near the sea. It is widely distributed in the Philippines. They occur in 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. In India they grow up to 1000 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, East Africa, Fiji, Guam, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mariana Islands, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yap
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. The very young 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. It can cause brain damage and cancer.
Edible parts
Seeds, caution, leaves, pith, shoots
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
Bitogo, Canningay, Chin-mondaing, Enthu, Fadang, Faho, Indapana, Intalappana, Jangli-madan-mast-ka-phul, Kamkshi, Limel, Logologo, Madanagama, Madu, Mundicalu, Mwel, Mwele, Mol, Ni-baam, Oruguna, Pakis haji, Pakis raja, Pitogo, Te bam, Varaguna