About Cycas circinalis L.
Cycas circinalis L., commonly called queen sago, is a cycad species. In the wild, it is only known to occur in southern India. It is also the only gymnosperm species counted among native Sri Lankan flora. This plant is widely cultivated in Hawaii, both for decorative use in landscapes and interior spaces, and for production of cut foliage. Its seeds are poisonous. The potent toxin in the seeds can be removed by repeated water soaking. Water from the first seed-soaking will kill birds, goats, sheep and hogs, while water from subsequent soakings is reported to be harmless. A minimum of 5 soakings is required to guarantee safety. After the final soaking, seeds are dried and ground into flour. This flour is used to make tortillas, tamales, soup and porridge.
