Common Name:

General Information

Cycas seemannii is a slow-growing, evergreen, palm-like plant with an erect, usually unbranched main stem that can eventually be around 1 - 12 metres tall and 10 - 30cm in diameter; this is topped by a crown of up to 50 - 80 large leaves each around 140 - 230cm long[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food and a glue. A ahndsome plant, it is occasionally grown for food in home gardens, and is cultivated as an ornamental[, , ].
A great deal of its habitat has been replaced by agriculture, yet, many plants are still encountered in patches of undisturbed forest. The plant is listed as Vulnerable based on a decline in habitat as a result of agriculture and use as a landscape plant. Decline is estimated as >30% over the past three generations (120 years) and is expected to continue[].The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2010)[].

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.

Botanical References

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Range

Southwest Pacific - New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Habitat

Coastal areas, fallow areas, open forests, and savannah or grassland areas[]. Usually found on calcareous beach dune sands or coral limestone formations, but extending to various substrates on continental islands[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cycas seemannii is not tolerant of frosts, other than occasional light frosts. It grows in an area where the minimum-maximum temperature range is 16 - 31°c and the mean annual rainfall is 1,875mm[].
Succeeds in full sun or in light shade[]. Prefers a sandy, well-drained soil[]. Grows best in a position sheltered from cold winds[]. A neutral soil (pH 7), is generally best for most species of cycads and allows the proper absorption of nutrients. A slightly acid soil is better for most cycads than a basic one[].
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.

Seed - cooked[]. The kernels are processed into a flour, mainly for use as a famine or ceremonial food[]. The flattened ovoid seed is around 45 - 60mm long and 36 - 48mm in diameter[].

The fresh cones of male plants are reportedly edible[, ].

The pith of the stem is rich in starch and is used to make sago[]. In some areas this food was reserved for the exclusive use of chiefs[].

Medicinal

The fruit and bark are used medicinally[].

Other Uses

The bark sap is used as a glue[].

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

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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