Queen Sago

Cycas circinalis L.

SIGH-kass sir-cin-AY-lis

Cycads - Cycadaceae

Explanation of name: For generic name see Cycas revoluta. Circinalis refers to the circinate vernation (uncoiling) of  the leaflets during leaf development.

Natural range: India (HUX, WH2)

Recognition (much data from HUX, WH2): Looks like a small, pinnate-leaf palm but differs by forming cones. Resembles Cycas revoluta but potentially larger (15(23’)’ tall vs. 6’) with softer, longer leaves (to 9’(10’) long vs. about 5’ long), these having softer and hairless leaflets. The male cones cylindric, to about 2’ long, the female cones resembling giant cabbages with egg-sized seeds on the edges of the seed-leaves. According to WH2 material from the Pacific sometimes identified as this species is not.   The “wrong” material has a flotation pad between the female gametophyte and the sclerotesta, enlarging the seed.  In true C. circinalis, this pad is absent and the outside of the sclerotesta has minutely fibrous (as opposed to smooth or fissured in the Pacific material).  The leaves may be deciduous at times of drought (and/or seed dispersal in female plants), although this is not generally true in cultivaiton. Grows readily from seed, which requires pollination by a male individual.

Landscape uses: Used like a small, potentially branching palm, with the Cycad Aulacapsis Scale ruining many specimens. See Cycas revoluta for comments on coralloid roots.  Bulbils on the stem. These can be removed and propagated.