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Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
32.3761, -88.6898
Field Notes
Description:
Female cone of a Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, growing outside a local business ... so I get to visit it from time to time and see what happens. Hurrah! Species of gymnosperm in the family Cycadaceae, native to southern Japan. Also called King Sago. Highly toxic.
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Same plant in November 2013: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/96266011
Notes:
From Wikipedia:<br><br>
Of all the cycads, C. revoluta is the most popular in cultivation. It is seen in almost all botanical gardens, in both temperate and tropical locations. In many areas of the world, it is heavily promoted commercially as a landscape plant. It is also quite popular as a bonsai plant. First described in the late 18th century, it is tolerant of mild to somewhat cold temperatures, provided the ground is dry. C. revoluta requires hot summers with mean temperatures of 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F) for successful growth.<br><br>
Cycad sago is extremely poisonous to animals (including humans) if ingested. Pets are at particular risk, since they seem to find the plant very palatable. All parts of the plant are toxic; however, the seeds contain the highest level of the toxin cycasin. Ironically, The pith contains edible starch, and is used for making sago. Before use, the starch must be carefully washed to leach out toxins contained in the pith. No thanks.
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