Cycas multipinnata
Specific habitat details are not provided, but it is found in natural reserves and gorges within its native range.·Arborescent (tree-like cycad)
Cycas multipinnata, also known as the Royal Sago, is a striking cycad species native to southwestern China and northern Vietnam. It is distinguished by its exceptionally long leaf stalks, the longest among all gymnosperms, and uniquely Y-shaped ultimate pinnules. Despite its conspicuous appearance, this species remained undiscovered by science until 1994.
Key Facts
- ›Native to southwestern China and northern Vietnam.
- ›Possesses the longest leaf stalks (petioles) of any gymnosperm, reaching up to 3.4 meters.
- ›Features uniquely Y-shaped ultimate pinnules.
- ›Its bipinnate fronds can reach a total length of up to 7 meters.
- ›Was scientifically described relatively recently, in 1994.
Royal Sago
Southwestern China, Northern Vietnam
- Tuberous Species, Suggesting A Subterranean Or Partially Subterranean Stem.
- Longest leaf stalks of any gymnosperm, up to 3.4 meters in the wild, and up to 4 meters in cultivation.
- Bipinnate fronds can reach a total length of up to 7 meters.
- The blade is the largest among gymnosperms.
- Ultimate pinnules are uniquely y-shaped.
About Cycas multipinnata
Cycas multipinnata: The Royal Sago
Cycas multipinnata, commonly known as the Royal Sago, is a remarkable species of cycad that inhabits the regions of southwestern China and northern Vietnam. It belongs to the Cycadaceae family, often referred to as the Sago Palm Family. This species is notable for being one of the tuberous cycads, a characteristic that leads some botanists to classify it in the genus Epicycas. Its most striking feature is its exceptionally long leaf stalks, or petioles, which are the longest recorded among all gymnosperms, reaching up to 3.4 meters (11 ft) in natural settings and even up to 4 meters (13 ft) in cultivation.
Botanical Uniqueness
The fronds of Cycas multipinnata are truly impressive, with the entire bipinnate leaf structure able to extend up to 7 meters (23 ft). The blade of its frond is considered the largest among all gymnosperms. Adding to its distinctiveness, the very tips of its leaflets, known as ultimate pinnules, are uniquely Y-shaped. This conspicuous plant, with its extraordinary dimensions, surprisingly escaped scientific notice until 1994, highlighting how much botanical diversity can remain undocumented.
Distribution and Habitat
Cycas multipinnata is found in several specific locations within its native range. These include the Red River gorge in eastern Yunnan, the Honghe Nature Cycad Reserve in Yunnan, Xilong Mountain Natural Reserve in Yunnan, western Guangxi province in China, and Yen Bai Province in northern Vietnam. It is also believed to occur in counties such as Honghe, Jianshui, Mengla, and Mile within Yunnan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common name for Cycas multipinnata?
The common name for Cycas multipinnata is Royal Sago. It is a species of cycad belonging to the Sago Palm Family (Cycadaceae).
Where is Cycas multipinnata found naturally?
Cycas multipinnata is indigenous to southwestern China, specifically in regions like eastern Yunnan and western Guangxi, as well as in Yen Bai Province in northern Vietnam.
What makes the leaves of Cycas multipinnata unique?
The leaves, or fronds, of Cycas multipinnata are remarkable for their extremely long petioles, which can measure up to 3.4 meters in wild specimens. Uniquely, the very tips of its leaflets (ultimate pinnules) are Y-shaped.
How large can the fronds of Cycas multipinnata grow?
The total length of the bipinnate fronds of Cycas multipinnata can be quite substantial, reaching up to 7 meters (23 ft). The blade of the frond is considered the largest among gymnosperms.
When was Cycas multipinnata first described scientifically?
Despite its noticeable size and unique characteristics, Cycas multipinnata managed to evade scientific discovery until as late as 1994.