Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the sago palm, is a slow-growing gymnosperm native to southern Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands, where it thrives in warm subtropical conditions. It is not a true palm but a cycad, a group of ancient plants with a palm-like appearance. Cycas revoluta typically reaches a height and width of 3-10 feet, featuring a symmetrical crown of shiny, dark green leaves on a thick, shaggy trunk that can be 20 cm (7.9 in) in diameter or wider. The trunk may be low to subterranean in young plants but lengthens above ground with age, and older specimens can have trunks over 20 feet tall after 50–100 years. The trunk can also branch, resulting in multiple heads of leaves.

The sago palm is valued for its ornamental appearance and is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical regions, as well as under glass in colder climates. It is known for its ease of maintenance and drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. The plant is used in urban planting, border planting, and as a specimen plant. It is also popular as a bonsai. It prefers sandy, well-drained soil with some organic matter and requires good drainage to prevent root rot. While it can tolerate full sun or outdoor shade, it needs bright light when grown indoors. It is tolerant of mild to somewhat cold temperatures, but frost damage can occur below −10 °C (14 °F). In temperate climates, it may defoliate in winter but will typically produce new leaves by spring.CC BY-SA 4.0