Cycas Circinalis, Queen Sago

Cycas circinalis (Queen Sago), Family: Cycadaceae, Genus: Cycas

• Growth Habit: A slow-growing, dioecious cycad with a thick, columnar trunk that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Older specimens may develop branching trunks.
• Leaves: Pinnate, arching fronds up to 3 meters long, with glossy, dark green leaflets arranged symmetrically. New leaves emerge in a rosette pattern from the trunk apex.
• Cones: Males produce elongated, golden-brown cones; females bear large, rounded cones. Seeds are orange-red when mature.

• Ornamental: Popular in landscaping for its palm-like appearance. Less common in cultivation than Cycas revoluta (King Sago).
• Traditional Uses: Pith processed for edible starch (requires careful detoxification). Historically used in Ayurveda, though parts are toxic.

• Cycasin: All parts, especially seeds, contain this neurotoxin. Ingestion causes vomiting, liver failure, and neurological damage in humans and pets.

• Threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting. Listed as Endangered in parts of its native range (e.g., India).
• Key Distinctions from King Sago (Cycas revoluta):
• Leaves: Softer, longer fronds vs. revoluta's rigid, spiky leaflets.
• Size: Larger overall (up to 10m) vs. revoluta (typically 2-3m).

• Living Fossil: Cycads date back to the Mesozoic era.
• Pollination: Beetle-dependent, typical of cycads.

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Pests: Susceptible to scale insects and fungal rot.
• Propagation: Seeds (slow germination) or offsets.