Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Cycas revoluta

Back

Cycas revoluta

Family Name: Cycadaceae
Synonyms: Cycas inermis Oudem., Cycas miquelii Warb.
Common Name: Japanese Cycad, Sago Cycad, Japanses Sago Palm, Cycad, Sago Palm, Japanese Fern Palm

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Gymnosperms (Non-Flowering Seed Plants) (Cycad)
Plant Growth Form Cycad
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Maximum Height 6 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Japan
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal

Description and Ethnobotany

Foliage Feather like leaves up to 1m long. The leaflets are stiff and pointed. 
Habitat Found between 100 - 500m. altitude. Usually grow in exposed location on steep limestone cliffs and rocks overhanging the shoreline, sometimes in low dense forest in heavy shade. 
Associated Fauna Cycad Blue (Chilades pandava pandava)
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: The Chinese make use of the down among of young leaves and the woolly bracts bearing the females spores to treat wounds. The seeds are considered tonic; used to promote the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory passages, to increase the menstrual flow and to treat rheumatism.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Suitable for Bonsai, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting
Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks Spiky leaves, kept away from paths when planting. 

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Little Water
Plant Growth Rate Slow
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Pruning Once leaves turn yellow or brown, they should be removed from plant.
Pest(s) Sucking Insects
Propagation Method Seed
Seed / Spore Germination Duration 3 months to 9 months

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Spiral

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Cone or Strobilus Type Frond-like Strobilus(Cycadaceae)

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 30769
Species ID 5108
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 19 August 2021.
Share