Cycas revoluta Thunb.

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm or King Sago Palm, is a popular ornamental plant belonging to the Cycadaceae family. It is a striking ornamental plant prized for its unique appearance and slow-growing nature. While it serves decorative purposes in gardens and landscapes, it also has historical uses for sago production, it remains a popular choice for bonsai cultivation and tropical landscaping.
________________________________________
Scientific Name: Cycas revoluta Thunb.
Family: Cycadaceae
Common Names: Sago Palm, King Sago Palm, Cycad Palm
Malayalam Name: ഈന്ത്- Eenthu
Tamil Name: சக்கர பாமரம் (Sakkara Paamaram)
Synonyms: Cycas japonica , Cycas circinalis
________________________________________
Botanical Description:
Cycas revoluta is a cycad species native to Japan and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant around the world.
Height: It is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that can grow to a height of about 1–3 meters (3–10 feet), though it remains much smaller in container cultivation.
Stem:Trunk: The plant has a short, thick trunk, which is solitary, covered in fibrous scales. The trunk can be 1–2 meters in height but often remains much smaller when cultivated as an ornamental plant. The trunk is swollen at the base and tapers upward.
Leaves: The leaves are pinnate, long, and feather-like, growing in a circular crown from the top of the trunk. Each leaf is typically 40–70 cm long and consists of many leaflets arranged in a feather-like pattern. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have sharp, spiny edges. They form a crown-like rosette around the top of the trunk.

Uses of Cycas revoluta:
1. Ornamental Use: Cycas revoluta is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance, resembling a palm tree with its glossy, feather-like leaves. It is widely used in gardens, parks, and landscaping as a decorative accent. It is particularly popular in bonsai culture because of its slow growth and striking, symmetrical shape.
2. Sago Production: The plant is often referred to as Sago Palm, though it is not a true palm. The starch-rich pith of the trunk has been used to produce sago, a type of starch used in cooking. Sago is made by extracting the starchy pulp from the trunk, which is then processed into flour. It is a staple food in some Asian regions, though the process of obtaining sago is labor-intensive. Sago flour can be used in making puddings, breads, and sweets. However, only the processed and cooked starch is safe for consumption because raw sago contains cycasin, which is toxic.
3. Toxicity: Cycas revoluta contains cycasin, a neurotoxin that can cause liver damage and neurological symptoms in humans and animals if consumed raw.The seeds, leaves, and other parts of the plant are toxic, so it should be kept away from children and pets.
4. Traditional Medicine:Some cultures have used Cycas revoluta in traditional medicine. However, due to its toxicity, it is not recommended for medicinal use unless specifically processed under controlled conditions.In some regions, the seeds have been used externally to treat wounds and skin diseases, but only after proper processing to remove toxins.