Synonyms: 

Cycas circinalis f. circinalis 

Cycas squamosa Lodd. 

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Cycadales

Family: Cycadaceae

Native: Southern India and Sri Lanka

Common Names

English – Queen Sago

Malayalam – ഈന്ത്

Description: A non- flowering gymnosperm plant growing in various wild habitats. Stem solitary, straight, with pinnately compound leaves crowded at the apex.  Grwoth is slow. Male and female reproductive structures born on separate individuals. 

Habitat: Warm temperate and subtropical region.

Distribution: Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Uses: This species is used in landscaping and gardens for its ornamental appeal and as a source of traditional medicine in some cultures. Mature male cones are insect repellents in the paddy fields. Leaves harvested for decoration. Tender leaves are edible. Seeds are cooked and eaten after leaching.