Trees Planet: Cycas revoluta

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Cycas revoluta – The Sago Palm

General Information

Common Name	The Sago Palm
Scientific Name	*Cycas revoluta*
Sun Tolerance	Full Sun
Height	Up to 6 m (up to 20 ft)
Spread	up to 3 m (up to 10 ft)
Growth Rate	Slow
Bloom Time	Late Spring
Color	Green,
Flower Color	Yellow
Type	Tree
Native	East Asia

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Cycadophyta - Cycads
Class	Cycadopsida
Subclass	Cycadidae
Order	Cycadales
Family	Cycadaceae Pers. - Cycad family
Genus	Cycas L. – Cycad
Species	C. revoluta L.

Cycas revoluta – The Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, is one of the most well-known and widely cultivated species of cycads. Despite its name and palm-like appearance, it is not a true palm but belongs to the ancient plant group Cycadophyta, which dates back to the age of dinosaurs. Native to southern Japan and parts of China, Cycas revoluta is admired for its symmetrical, glossy green fronds and resilience in various climates.

The plant features stiff, feather-like leaves that grow in a rosette from the top of a thick, woody trunk. Each frond can reach up to 1.5 meters long and has narrow, pointed leaflets with a deep green color.

The trunk is cylindrical and slow-growing, often giving the plant a bonsai-like appearance when young. Over time, it can reach up to 2 meters tall. Cycas revoluta grows slowly but steadily. It is usually unbranched, although older specimens may produce offshoots at the base or develop multiple heads.

Cycas revoluta is extremely slow-growing, typically adding only a few centimeters of trunk per year. Full maturity may take several decades.

It prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils and dislikes waterlogging. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch. Moderate water is sufficient. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root rot.

Cycas revoluta is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Male plants produce a large, cone-like structure. Female plants develop a crown of loosely arranged leaf-like structures that protect the ovules. Pollination is usually carried out by wind or insects. In cultivation, hand pollination may be used for seed production. Cycas revoluta typically blooms once a year, usually during late spring or early summer, depending on the climate. Widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and indoors due to its exotic appearance. Its slow growth and sculptural form make it a favorite in bonsai cultivation. Ideal for xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance.

The Sago Palm is a living fossil that adds a dramatic, architectural element to any landscape. Its resilience, symmetrical form, and ancient lineage make it a cherished plant for collectors, gardeners, and landscapers alike. While it requires patience due to its slow growth, the reward is a timeless piece of nature’s history thriving in your own garden. All parts of Cycas revoluta are highly toxic, especially the seeds, which contain cycasin, a compound that can cause liver failure in pets and humans if ingested. Extra caution is advised when planting near pets or small children. Cycas revoluta is not currently endangered, thanks to its widespread cultivation. However, other wild cycads are under threat due to habitat loss and illegal collection.