Cycas spp.

Various

Cycas, Sago Palm

CycadaceaeSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Cycas spp.
gbif · cc-by-nc
FIRE FLY
Cycas spp.
gbif · cc-by-nc
FIRE FLY
Cycas spp.
gbif · cc-by-nc
FIRE FLY

What to Eat

Edible parts: Seed

Cycad nuts are edible in some species and used as a famine food once processed. (see individual plants) but many are toxic. They are high in starch.

Known Hazards

The plants contain alkaloids of carcinogens and also an amino-acid that causes chronic nervous disorders. Regular consumption of the plant leads to severe health problems and death. This toxic principle can be removed if the food is properly prepared but consumption of the plant still cannot be recommended because its use often means the death of the plant and it is becoming rare in the wild.

Where to Find It

Adapted throughout the tropics and subtropics.

Coming Soon

How to Identify

Cycas spp. is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

How to Grow

Hypothetical Crop Industrial Crop: Starch Management: Standard. Cycads (Division Cycadophyta) have adapted throughout the tropics and subtropics. Species for sun and shade, desert, swamp, and rain forest. Climate: warm temperate to tropical. Humidity: arid to humid. Long lived but slow growing. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: hypothetical. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, 2cm deep in individual pots which are then sealed in plastic bags to keep them moist until germination takes place. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 25°c. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then treat as above. Division of suckers in the spring.

Medicinal Uses

See individual species.

Other Uses

Carbon Farming Solutions - Industrial Crop: starch (Crops grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles). Genera to investigate include: Cycas, Dioon, Encephalartos, Macrozamia, Microcycas, and Zamia. Nearly all cycads fix low amounts of nitrogen. Ornamental -

Names & Synonyms

Cycas species. Sago palm, Fern Palm, Cycas, Cycads

See individual species.

More from Cycadaceae

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Nut Palm, Fern palm, False sago palm, Zamia palm