Cycas circinalis, commonly known as Queen Sago, is a slow-growing, evergreen cycad native to dry, deciduous forests and scrublands in southern India. It is not a true palm but resembles one, with a thick trunk and a crown of large, feathery, pinnate leaves that can reach up to 3 meters in length. This species can grow up to 10 meters tall, though it often remains much smaller in cultivation. The plant produces cones; male cones are elongated and female cones are round. It is dioecious, with male and female reproductive structures on separate plants. The foliage is dark green, and while not flowering in the traditional sense, the cones can add architectural interest to the garden.

Queen Sago is valued for its tropical appearance and is often used as a focal point in landscapes, container gardens, and conservatories. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soil with organic matter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, but gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, contain neurotoxins. Regular removal of offsets and suckers is necessary to maintain a single-stemmed appearance. It is important to note that Cycas circinalis has become invasive in places like Hawaii, so it should be planted with care and monitored for unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0