Cycas rumphii – Queen Sago Palm
Cycas rumphii – Queen Sago Palm
Cycas rumphii (Queen Sago) is a hardy, slow-growing cycad native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. With its crown of feathery, dark green fronds atop a stout trunk, it resembles a palm but is a prehistoric gymnosperm. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is often used in landscaping for its exotic appeal.
Cycas rumphii, commonly known as the Queen Sago Palm, is a hardy, tropical cycad renowned for its graceful, feathery fronds and rugged, palm-like trunk. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, this ancient plant species adds a prehistoric elegance to landscapes and gardens. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it thrives in warm climates and is perfect for coastal gardens, rockeries, and tropical landscapes.
Key Features:
- Botanical Name: Cycas rumphii
- Common Names: Queen Sago Palm, Asian Sago Palm, False Sago Palm, Rumphius’ Cycad
- Family: Cycadaceae
- Native Region: Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern Australia
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Mature Height: 5–15 meters (16–50 feet)
- Trunk: Thick, cylindrical, textured with old leaf scars
- Leaves: Long, arching, glossy green, pinnate fronds up to 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) long
- Flowers: Dioecious (separate male and female plants); cones appear on mature plants
- Fruit: Seeds develop in female cones, encased in a protective, orange-brown coat
- Seed Count per kg: Approximately 100–200 seeds per kilogram
- Season: All Year
Growing Conditions:
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature Tolerance: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates; not frost-hardy
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity
- Lifespan: Extremely long-lived, some specimens survive for centuries
Landscaping & Uses:
- Excellent for tropical, xeriscape, and coastal gardens
- Perfect as a centerpiece or accent plant in large landscapes
- Highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for arid regions
- Suitable for pots and containers in cooler climates
