Cycas revoluta is a plant species commonly known as the Sago Palm. The spelling of the word is pronounced /ˈsaɪkəs/ for Cycas and /rɛvəˈluːtə/ for revoluta. The IPA phonetic transcription shows the correct pronunciation of each individual sound in the word. Cycas revoluta is native to Japan and is often used for landscaping due to its unique appearance. While it is called a palm, it is not a true palm as it belongs to the Cycad family.
Cycas Revoluta, commonly known as the sago palm or king sago palm, is a species of cycad native to Japan. It is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub-like plant that belongs to the family Cycadaceae. The name "Cycas" comes from the Greek word "kýkas," meaning "palm tree," while "revoluta" refers to the leaflets of the plant that fold backward towards the rachis in a revolute manner.
The sago palm typically has a thick, woody trunk with a crown of arching, pinnately compound leaves. These leaves, resembling fern fronds, can reach lengths of 1 to 2 meters, and are composed of numerous glossy, dark green leaflets. The plant produces separate male and female cones, with the female cones being larger and more cylindrical in shape, while the male cones are shorter and more rounded.
Cycas Revoluta is known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping and indoor cultivation. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers bright, indirect sunlight. The plant is highly adaptable and can withstand periods of drought, as well as temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
While Cycas Revoluta is prized for its ornamental value and architectural appearance, it is important to note that all parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, contain toxins that can be harmful if ingested. Therefore, caution should be exercised when planting this species in areas accessible to children or pets.
The word "Cycas revoluta" is derived from two sources: "Cycas" and "revoluta".
1. Cycas:
The term "Cycas" comes from the Greek word "kykas", which was originally used by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and botanist, to designate a type of palm tree. Theophrastus likely borrowed the word from another ancient language, possibly Ethiopian or Egyptian. Its meaning has been associated with the idea of "revolve" or "circle", possibly alluding to the leaves' whorled arrangement.
2. Revoluta:
The word "revoluta" is derived from the Latin verb "revolvere", which means "to roll back" or "to turn backward".