Mediterranean specimens

Cycas revoluta: the sago palm, a living fossil for designer gardens and exclusive landscaping

The Cycas revoluta, commonly known as cica, sago palm o Japanese dwarf palm, is one of the most elegant and distinctive ornamental plants in contemporary landscaping. Although it resembles a miniature palm tree, the Cycas is by no means a palm tree: it belongs to the order Cycadales, a group of plants that first appeared over 280 million years ago, during the Permian period, even before dinosaurs existed. This status as a true living fossil gives it exceptional botanical and ornamental value. Native to southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, Cycas revoluta has become one of the most sought-after plants in high-end Mediterranean landscaping. In MedifloraWe have Cycas revoluta specimens in all sizes, ranging from young plants to century-old specimens with large trunks and multiple crowns.

Botanical characteristics of Cycas revoluta

• Ranking: Cycas revoluta, order Cycadales, family Cycadaceae — is neither a palm tree nor a fern, but a primitive gymnosperm
• Size: a perennial plant that grows extremely slowly and develops a columnar trunk up to 3–4 metres tall in very old specimens
• Trunk: cylindrical, covered in leaf scars arranged in a spiral pattern, with a rough, leather-like texture, which widens very slowly over the years
• Sheets: spiky, stiff and glossy, 50–150 cm long, arranged in a perfectly symmetrical crown at the top of the trunk, deep dark green in colour
• Growth: extremely slow-growing, producing just one or two new crowns of leaves a year, with trunk growth of barely 1–2 cm annually
• Reproduction: dioecious species; the female plants produce a compact central cone with red seeds the size of a walnut
• Resistance: tolerates temperatures as low as -8°C, moderate drought, coastal winds and a variety of soil types
• Longevity: can live for over 200 years, with century-old specimens commanding very high market prices

Applications in landscaping and outdoor design

Cycas revoluta is the plant of choice for projects involving landscaping for those seeking sophistication and exclusivity. In luxury hotels and resorts… cycads are often planted in entrance areas, around swimming pools and in Zen gardens, where their perfect symmetry and exotic appearance create an atmosphere of serenity and oriental elegance. The contemporary and minimalist gardens It is used as a standalone sculptural piece or in geometric arrangements featuring gravel, stone and water, where its architectural form perfectly complements the clean lines of modern design. In private gardens, Cycas plants are ideal for large pots on terraces, along paths and as focal points in rockeries and dry gardens. The shopping centres and corporate premises They are used both outdoors and in well-lit indoor spaces, taking advantage of their low maintenance requirements and resistance to changing conditions.

Century-old books: investment and value

Large specimens of Cycas revoluta are highly prized specimens that represent a genuine investment in landscaping. A specimen with a trunk measuring 1 metre in diameter may be over 50 years old, whilst those with trunks of 2–3 metres easily exceed a century in age. Their extremely slow growth means that every centimetre of trunk represents years of cultivation, which explains their high value on the professional nursery market. Specimens with multiple heads or branches are particularly rare and highly prized.

Growing and care

Cycas revoluta thrives in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. Watering should be moderate and infrequent, as it is sensitive to excess moisture and waterlogging. It tolerates periods of drought better than most tropical-looking plants. Fertiliser should be balanced and applied in spring and summer. The only regular maintenance required is the removal of lower leaves that turn yellow naturally.

Discover more options at the Mediterranean specimens catalogue and goes well with palms for tropical gardens. The cacti and succulents are the perfect addition to xerophytic arrangements. Add olive-trees for a Mediterranean contrast. For professional projects For large orders, please request a quote.