Sago cycad, Cardboard palm cycad
Zamia furfuracea
Family: Zamiaceae
What it is like
A small plant. It grows 0.9 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The stems are like cylinders and are underground. It forms spreading mounds. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The leaflets are broad, hairy and stiff. The leaflets are leathery and olive green. They are on spiny stalks. The fruit are pink to red cones. The seeds are 2 cm long and orange-red.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can grow in warm temperate places. It needs well drained soil. It can tolerate light shade. It can tolerate drought. It suits hardiness zones 11-12. In XTBG Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Belize (country/location of origin), Central America, China, Hawaii, Indonesia, Jamaica, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Mexico (country/location of origin), Micronesia, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, South America, USA, West Indies
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Sago, starch
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. They can also be grown from suckers.
Plants are slow growing.
Its other names
Local names
Cardboard palm, Florida arrowroot, Sikas palem karton