Scientific Name
Cycas revoluta
Common Name
Cycad, sago palm

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Cycadaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen, palm-like; leaves 1-pinnately divided, glossy green, the leaflets narrow, with a sunken midrib and the margins rolled downward; pollen cone large and erect; the seeds on loosely arranged leaves around the stem, each seed large, plum-like, pale yellow-tan.
Origin
Japan.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated perennial in warm, coastal areas, as container plant in cool areas.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Fleshy seeds, leaves, unprocessed flour from stem pith.
Symptoms
Vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, seizures.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Processed flour.
Toxic Principle
Glycosides and an amino acid BMAA.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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