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Sago palm

How to identify Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)

Sago palm, also known as Japanese sago palm, Sotetsu

Sago palm features a distinctive crown of shiny, dark green leaves that radiate outwards in a symmetrical rosette. Each leaf is stiff, arching backward with a glossy texture, and can grow up to 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) long. The leaflets are narrow and pointed, arranged densely and creating a feathery appearance. The trunk of sago palm is stout and shaggy, resembling a scaled bulb, and reaches heights of typically 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m), though some specimens can grow taller in optimal conditions.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sago palm

1

Symmetrical rosette of glossy, dark green leaves with pointed, feathery leaflets, up to 5 feet (1.5 m) long.

2

Stout, shaggy trunk resembling a scaled bulb, 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall.

3

Large, golden cone fruit with large seeds, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

4

Pinnate, glossy green leaves in circular rosette pattern, 3-7 feet (90 cm to 2.1 m) long.

5

Thick, sturdy stem with rough, textured, woody surface, up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter.

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Detailed Traits of Sago palm

Leaf Features

The leaves of sago palm are pinnate and glossy green, reaching 3 to 7 feet (90 cm to 2.1 meters) long and 10 inches (25 cm) wide. They grow in a circular, rosette pattern. Each leaf features a central midrib dividing into numerous narrow, leathery leaflets, 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 cm) long, with spiny-tipped ends and revolute edges. The leaflets are stiff and pointed, often transforming into spinelike structures towards the base.

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Stem Features

The stem of sago palm is dark brown in color, commonly appearing rough and textured. It is thick and sturdy, extending up to 1 foot (30 cm) in diameter. The stem showcases a columnar form, with no branching, and bears leaf scars arranged in a spiral pattern. Its surface is woody and covered with a pattern of diamond-shaped leaf bases, creating a unique, rugged appearance that is crucial for the identification of sago palm plants.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of sago palm is a large, rounded and golden cone that develops if a female plant is successfully pollinated. Mature seeds are tightly packed within this cone structure. Once pollinated, typically between April and June, these seeds take from September to October to mature. Each individual seed is encased in a fleshy coat, which when ripe, ranges in color from a golden-brown to orange hue. These seeds are notably large, with each one approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

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Key Facts About Sago palm

Attributes of Sago palm
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
3 m to 8 m
Spread
90 cm to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
8 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Brown
Fruit Color
Yellow
Gold
Cream
Brown
Red
Orange
Tan
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Sago palm

Class
Cycads
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Order
Cycads
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Family
Cycad
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Genus
Cycas
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Species
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
Learn More About the Sago palm

Distribution Map of Sago palm

Sago palm is native only to Japan and southern China, growing in hillside thickets. Sago palm has been introduced in the southeastern US and Bangladesh, where it grows in sandy, well-drained soil.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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