Plant
Sago Cycad
Cycas revolutaAlso known as Sago Palm, King Sago, Japanese Sago Palm, King Sago Palm
Sago cycads are ancient, slow-growing gymnosperms featuring a rugged, dark trunk topped with a symmetrical rosette of stiff, glossy green fronds. Native to coastal islands of southern Japan, these primitive plants produce massive seed cones rather than flowers, relying on distinct male and female individuals to reproduce. While widely cultivated as striking ornamental foliage, all parts of the plant harbor potent toxins that defend against herbivores.
AncientToxicEvergreen
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
- Cycad aulacaspis scale
- Cycad blue butterfly caterpillars
ThreatsOver-collection of wild specimens, habitat modification, cycad scale insects
HabitatsSubtropical coastal forests, rocky cliffs, cultivated landscapes
Life span100–200 years
Classification
- OrderCycadales
- FamilyCycadaceae
- GenusCycas
- SpeciesCycas revoluta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts contain dangerous toxins; keep away from pets and children and never consume.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains cycasin and neurotoxic BMAA, causing severe liver failure, neurological collapse, or fatality if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a dark, fibrous trunk crowned with stiff, sharp-tipped, dark green pinnate fronds.
- What to do
- Keep far out of reach of domestic animals and young children, wearing gloves when trimming fronds.
Responsible observation
- Pruning Safety: Wear heavy leather gloves when trimming leaves, as the sharp needle-like tips easily puncture skin.
- Pet Protection: Position indoor or garden pots far out of reach from dogs and cats to prevent chewing.
- Moisture Management: Allow soil to dry significantly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Distant Relative (c) tanetahi, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) laurent houmeau, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Distant Relative (c) Ashwin Srinivasan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ashwin Srinivasan · cc-by
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