| Metroxylon sagu | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Metroxylon |
| Species: | M. sagu |
| Binomial name | |
| Metroxylon sagu Rottb. |
|
Metroxylon sagu is a species of palm in the genus Metroxylon, native to tropical southeastern Asia in Indonesia (western New Guinea, and the Moluccas), Papua New Guinea, Malaysia (both Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak) and possibly also the Philippines (though maybe introduced there).[1]
It is a monocarpic palm growing to 10 m tall or more, with pinnate leaves up to 7 m long.[2]
It is of commercial importance as the main source of sago, a starch used in cooking for puddings, noodles, breads, and as a thickener.
Sago palm reproduces by fruiting once a life time at the end of it life cycle. It is mainly propagated by collecting young shoot that sprouts from the base of the palm. This method is faster.