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Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
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These living fossils, members of the Cycadaceae family, were the principle plants during the Mesozoic era over 150 million years ago. Today about 10 genera of cycads are still around. One of the most commonly encountered is the sago "palm".

Leaves
Dark-green, glossy, pinnate leaves are about 4-5 feet in length and 9inches wide. The rigid midrib holds the leaf straight out in a stiff fashion around the rosette. The leaflets curl under along their edge which end in a point.

Flowers
male plants have a cone-shaped reproductive structure while female plants have a globe shaped yellow structure

Fruit
bright red seeds, about 1.5 inches in diameter are produced on the female plant in the center of the rosette under the scale-like leaves

Trunk
Information not available

Propagation
Fresh seeds should be permitted to age for 2 or 3 months in a cool place before planting. Old, dry seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours. Plant seeds in moist sand and keep warm. Germination should occur in 2 to 3 months. Plant in deep containers to accommodate the tap root.

Landscape usage
shrub border or to accent lawn spaces or patio. Good for entryways or in rock or sand gardens. It mixes well with palms and also makes a nice container pot for indoors.

Interesting Facts
Sago palm plants may be sexed by looking in the center of the rosette. male plants have a cone-shaped reproductive structure while female plants have a globe shaped yellow structure in which scale-like leaves cover bright red seeds that are about 1.5 inches in diameter.



Sago Palm.
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Summary

Type: Palm
Salt Tolerant:
High
Height: 8-15ft
Spread: 10-15 ft
Growth Rate: N/A
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Hardiness: High
Native
:
No
Wildlife: N/A

sago male.jpg (16149 bytes)
Sago Palm, male flower

For more detailed information on this plant go to:
Volusia Extension

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