Metroxylon sagu

Sago palm

Metroxylon sagu, commonly known as the sago palm, is a versatile tropical plant central to many indigenous cultures. Beyond its role as a vital carbohydrate source through its starchy pith, it holds significant medicinal potential. Traditional practices utilize various parts of the plant to treat inflammation and support digestive health.

  • Scientific name: Metroxylon sagu
  • Family: Arecaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Further taxonomic placement identifies it under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Arecales. It is a member of the family Arecaceae, specifically categorized under the genus Metroxylon.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Arecales WCVP
Family Arecaceae WCVP
Genus Metroxylon WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Metroxylon sagu, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Poland, it is referred to as Sagownicza zwyczajna, while in Russian, it is called Саговые пальмы. In Spanish-speaking contexts, it is simply known as Metroxylon, and in Thailand, it is called สาคู. Additionally, in the Acehnese language, the plant is known as Meuria.
Language Common Name Source
pl Sagownica zwyczajna Wikidata
ru Саговые пальмы Wikidata
es Metroxylon Wikidata
th สาคู Wikidata
ace Meuria Wikidata
ms Pokok Rumbia Wikidata
hu valódi szágópálma Wikidata
uk Сагова пальма Wikidata
id Rumbia Wikidata
de Sagopalme Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Southeast Asia. Within the Indo-China region, its presence is specifically noted in Thailand. Moving into the Malesia zone, it can be found inhabiting the island of Borneo. The species also extends its range to the islands of Jawa and the Malay Peninsula. Furthermore, its distribution reaches as far as the Maluku archipelago.

Region Area Source
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP
Malesia Jawa WCVP
Malesia Malaya WCVP
Malesia Maluku WCVP
Malesia Sumatera WCVP
Papuasia New Guinea WCVP
Papuasia Solomon Is. WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Santa Cruz Is. WCVP

Chemicals

Metroxylon sagu has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include galactomannan.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
galactomannan 1 ★☆☆☆☆