Cycad Revoluta (Sago Palm)

The Cycad Revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, is a primitive, slow-growing plant that resembles a palm tree but belongs to the cycad family. Native to southern Japan, it’s a popular ornamental plant in gardens and homes due to its striking, tropical appearance. Here’s a detailed description:

• Foliage: The Sago Palm has long, dark green, feather-like leaves that grow in a symmetrical rosette from a thick central trunk. The leaves are stiff and leathery, with sharp, pointed tips and a glossy sheen. Each leaf can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) long in mature plants, arching gracefully outward.
• Trunk: The plant features a thick, woody trunk that is often cylindrical or slightly bulbous. The trunk can grow slowly to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in height in older plants, though it is usually shorter in potted plants. The trunk is covered in rough, scaly bark, adding to its rugged appearance.
• Growth Habit: Cycad Revoluta is a very slow-growing plant, often taking years to reach a significant height. Its growth habit is compact and upright, with new leaves emerging from the crown in a circular pattern each year.
• Size: Mature Sago Palms can grow to a height of 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) outdoors, though they are often much smaller when grown indoors. The spread of the leaves can be quite wide, giving the plant a large, fan-like shape.
• Flowers/Cones: Although it’s called a “palm,” the Cycad Revoluta is not a true palm. It produces cones, with separate male and female plants. Male plants form elongated, yellowish-brown cones, while female plants produce a rounded, woolly structure in the center of the leaves, which eventually contains seeds.
• Growing Conditions: Sago Palms thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant once established, making them ideal for warmer climates. While hardy, they do not tolerate cold temperatures well and may need protection in colder regions.

The Cycad Revoluta is prized for its prehistoric, exotic look and its ability to add a bold, architectural element to gardens and indoor spaces. However, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.