The sago palms prefer a tropical climate and are typically found in lowland areas. They thrive in regions with high humidity and ample rainfall. Altitude preferences vary, but they are commonly found in low-lying areas rather than high altitudes.
Sago palm
Metroxylon sagu, Metroxylon laeve, and Metroxylon rumphii, commonly known as sago palms, are found in tropical rainforest swamps across Southeast Asia. These palms are valued for their trunk, which yields sago, a starchy food source, and their leaves, which are used for thatching. They are cultivated and managed for their resources and have a lifespan of 8 to 15 years, typically harvested before reaching maturity.
Metroxylon sagu, Metroxylon laeve, Metroxylon rumphii
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
- Sago palms belong to the Metroxylon genus. - They are commonly found in tropical rainforest swamps in Southeast Asia, including the South Pacific Islands, Melanesia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. - The trunk of a sago palm can yield approximately 300 kg of sago, which is used for various purposes. - The leaves of the sago palm are used for thatching. - Sago palm cultivation and management are practiced, with the starch being exported. - Sago palms are characterized by suckering, terminal flowering, and feather-like palm leaves. - The lifespan of a sago palm is typically 8 to 15 years, but they are often felled before reaching this age. - Sago palms are unimproved, meaning they have not undergone significant breeding or genetic modification.
- Well-drained soil - Moist soil - Sandy soil - Clay soil - Loamy soil
SE Asia: tropical rain forest swamps from S. Pacific Islands through Melanesia into Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Sago from trunk (300 kg/tree); leaves for thatch. Cultivated and managed stands; starch exported; suckering, terminal flowering feather palm; lifespan 8 - 1 5 years, but usually felled before this. Unimproved.