| Family: Cycad | | | | trunk is split open after the tree is cut; the pith is |
| Genus: Cycas | | | | crushed and kneaded, which releases starch. The |
| Species: revolute | | | | material is then washed and strained to extract the |
| Common names: King sago palm, sago palm | | | | starch, which is put into a container for local use or |
| General Description: Sago palm is one of the most | | | | export. The Sago Palm is a major staple food for |
| available and economical sources of food starch in the | | | | New Guinea and the Moluccas. It is often cooked and |
| world. An international conference recently suggested | | | | pressed into a pancake and served with fish. Sago |
| the possibility of the Sago as an option for worldwide | | | | looks like tapioca; each resembles pearly grains of |
| consumption as food supplies dwindle. It is very slow | | | | starch, but they come from different sources. Tapioca |
| growing; the young plant is two to three feet tall and, | | | | is made from the root of the cassava plant, and Sago |
| outside of its native home may be found in the ground | | | | starch comes from the palm. |
| or in a pot on a patio. Since it needs sun, it does not | | | | Sago Palms have erect, sturdy trunks that grow wider |
| grow well away from a window inside a building. In the | | | | as the plant matures. The diameter can be as great |
| tropics, the Sago Palm is found in lowland forests and | | | | as two feet, and sometimes wider. Some very old |
| freshwater swamps. It is versatile and can grow in a | | | | Sagos display twenty feet of trunk. |
| variety of soils. | | | | Sagos typically grow cones during spring or summer. |
| Due to Sago palm's popularity in the past half-century, | | | | Usually a new set of leaves appears at the same |
| this feather leaf palm is found from coast lines to | | | | time. Seeds develop slowly as well. Suckers often |
| landscapes around the world. It is over 300 years old | | | | grow from the base, with several stems clumping |
| and can grow to 10-12 feet tall with dignified umbrella | | | | together after some time. |
| crowns. | | | | Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not |
| Location: Sago palm is native to the tropics from | | | | been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. |
| Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, to Japan. | | | | Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, |
| Uses: Sago is a starch ground into a powder. The | | | | cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. |