Question 1

What is Cycas circinalis used for in ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, various parts of Cycas circinalis — including the roots, seeds, and young leaves — are used in traditional preparations for digestive, skin, and joint-related conditions. The seeds contain starch that, after careful processing to remove toxic compounds, can serve as a food supplement. All medicinal use requires specialist preparation, as unprocessed parts of the plant are toxic.

Question 2

Is Cycas circinalis native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Cycas circinalis is native to a broad tropical range that includes South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Pacific, and it occurs naturally in Sri Lanka's dry zone and coastal lowland habitats. It is not endemic to Sri Lanka, but the island's populations are part of the species' native range. Wild specimens grow in scrublands and forest margins, typically in well-drained soils.

Question 3

Is the queen sago palm the same as Cycas circinalis?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cycas circinalis is commonly called the queen sago or false sago. Despite its palm-like appearance, it is not a palm at all — it is a cycad, a far more ancient group of plants that reproduces via cones rather than flowers. The 'sago' in the common name refers to the starchy product that can be extracted from the trunk and seeds after careful processing.

Question 4

Is Cycas circinalis poisonous?

Accepted Answer

All parts of Cycas circinalis contain toxic compounds, most notably cycasin and BMAA, which can cause liver damage and neurological harm if consumed raw or in unprocessed form. Traditional communities developed specific preparation techniques to neutralise these toxins, but these methods require expertise. The plant is safe to handle externally for most people, though raw plant material should never be ingested without proper preparation.

Question 5

Where can I see cycad plants in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens near Kandy is the most accessible location to see well-maintained cycad collections in Sri Lanka. Wild populations of Cycas circinalis occur in dry-zone coastal areas and scrublands, though they can be difficult to find without local guidance. Some temple gardens and private estates across the island also feature cultivated specimens.

Question 6

How old can a Cycas circinalis plant live?

Accepted Answer

Cycads are exceptionally long-lived plants, and some individuals of related species are known to survive for several centuries. Cycas circinalis itself grows slowly and can live for many decades, with some established specimens in botanical gardens estimated to be well over a hundred years old. Their slow growth rate makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and over-collection.

Question 7

Why are cycads considered endangered?

Accepted Answer

Cycads are among the most threatened plant groups on Earth due to a combination of slow reproduction, habitat destruction, and heavy collection pressure for the ornamental plant trade. Cycas circinalis faces particular threats from coastal habitat loss and illegal harvesting. Conservation efforts in Sri Lanka and internationally include botanic garden collections and efforts to regulate the trade in wild-collected specimens.