There has been considerable confusion in the past between this species and Cycas circinalis L. A recent treatment ('The Genus Cycas (Cycadaceae) in Indonesia' Lindstrom A.J. Et al, Telopea 12(3) 385 - 418 2009[]) has proposed that Cycas circinalis is restricted to southwest India, whilst Cycas rumphii is a found in Indonesia and New Guinea. This treatment seems to have been accepted. Much of the old literature on the uses of these species is in the name of Cycas circinalis, and it can be impossible to tell which species is actually being referred to if the plants range is not given. However, it is quite likely that the two species have virtually identical uses[].

Common Name: Sago Palm

General Information

Cycas rumphii is a slow-growing, evergreen, palm-like plant with an erect, sometimes branched, main stem that can eventually be up to 10 metres tall and 11 - 35cm in diameter; this is topped by a spreading crown of numerous large leaves each around 1.5 - 2.5 metres long[].
The plant has a range of traditional uses, especially as a food and a medicine. It is sometimes sold in local markets. The pith in the stem is often harvested from the wild and used as a food source in its native range, though recent research has shown that this is a potentially dangerous practice since the pith can cause chronic nervous disorders if it is not treated properly. Overall its use is not to be recommended, especially since it is becoming rare in the wild[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.
Occurs over a wide range in coastal areas, but this species has declined due to a habitat loss of 20% in the last 50 years. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

The plants contain alkaloids of carcinogens and also an amino-acid that causes chronic nervous disorders[]. Regular consumption of the plant leads to severe health problems and death. This toxic principle can be removed if the food is properly prepared but consumption of the plant still cannot be recommended because its use often means the death of the plant and it is becoming rare in the wild.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia, New Guinea.

Habitat

Coastal and near coastal communities in littoral forest and rainforest; at elevations up to 200 metres. Often on stabilized dunes composed of coral sands and coral limestone[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects, wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in the hot tropics and subtropics[]. Plants are tolerant of light frost[]. Although Cycads mainly prefer a summer rainfall climate with cool, dry winters, most of them will adapt easily to a Mediterranean climate with its dry summers and moist winters[].
Prefers a sunny position, but also succeeds in light shade[, ]. Requires a strong loam with sharp sand and good drainage[]. Succeeds in dry soils. Succeeds in poor soils[].
The seeds float and can be transported long distances in the sea, thus accounting for the very large distribution of this species[].
Plants are slow-growing[].
Species in this genus can usually be transplanted easily even when quite large. The best time for moving them is just before the beginning of a new growing season, the roots being trimmed if they are damaged and perhaps some leaves being removed. New roots should develop quickly as the season progresses[].
Species in this genus form structures known as coralloid roots. These roots branch off from the taproot or secondary roots and are distinctive in that they grow laterally or upward, forming a nodular mass at the apex. These coralloid roots occur slightly below or slightly above the soil surface and generally contain cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available as a nutrient to the plant. The ability to extract this important nutrient from the air explains how many cycad species are able to survive on almost sterile soils[].
A dioecious species, with individual plants producing either all male or all female cones. Therefore both male and female forms of the plant need to be grown if seed is required[]. On very rare occasions, usually when a plant has been under severe stress, it can change sex and produce either all female or all male cones[].

Edible Uses

Species in this genus are generally toxic unless the food is prepared correctly. See notes above on toxicity.

The pith is rich in carbohydrate and a sago can be made from it[, , , ]. A common food in parts of its range[].
To be suitable for the extraction of sago, the plant should not have fruited, as fruiting depletes the store of starch in the stem. Most Cycas plants are capable of yielding large amounts of starch at around 7 years of age. The best time for the extraction of starch is just before a flush of new leaves[].

The raw seed is poisonous, but after being cut into thin slices, dried, then steeped in water for a few minutes and dried again, it becomes edible[, , , , ]. The kernel contains around 20 - 30% starch[]. It can be used as a sago[, ]. Using the seed for food cannot be recommended, however. The flattened-ovoid seeds are around 45 - 58mm long, 35 - 45mm wide[, ]. See the notes above on toxicity.

The very young leaves are edible[]. When around 30 - 40cm long, the young, not yet quite unfolded, succulent leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ].

The plant yields a gum[, , ]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

The abundant pollen is strongly narcotic[, ].
The male cone scales are commonly sold as an anodyne in bazaars in India[].

The bark and the seeds are ground to a paste with oil and used as a poultice on sores and swellings[].

The juice of tender leaves is useful in the treatment of flatulence and vomiting[].

A gum obtained from the plant has been used medicinally, particularly as an agent that is said to produce rapid suppuration when applied to malignant ulcers. The gum also has the repute of being a good antidote for snake and insect bites[].

Other Uses

The bark sap is used as a glue[].

A gum exudes through wounds in the plant, especially from the megasporophylls, stems and leaves[]. It is used medicinally and as an adhesive[].
When placed in water, Cycas gum begins to swell almost immediately. By the end of several days, it expands to many times its original size and becomes so colourless and transparent that it cannot be seen in water but must be felt for with a rod[]. Cycas gum has been likened in its properties to that of Sterculia setigera[]

The fruits are strung together to make children's toys or rattles[].

The stems are used in small traditional constructions in Indonesia[].

Propagation

Seeds - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though the seeds of many species will take a few months to finish maturing the embryo before they are ready to germinate. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place, the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space. Grow on the plants in pots until large enough to plant out[].
Division of off-sets or suckers is best carried out just before the plant comes in to new growth at the start of the growing season[].

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