Cycas multipinnata
CR

Cycas multipinnata

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycas_multipinnata

Overview

Cycas multipinnata, common name Royal Sago, is a species of cycad of the Sago Palm Family (Cycadaceae) in southwestern China and northern Vietnam. It is one of the tuberous species which some taxonomists segregate as the genus Epicycas, and has the longest leaf stalks (petioles) of any Gymnosperm; up to 3.4 metres (11 ft). Cultivated plants have had petioles as long as 4 m (13 ft).

The total length of the bipinnate frond can be up to 7 m (23 ft). Uniquely, the ultimate pinnules are Y-shaped. This very conspicuous plant somehow escaped notice until 1994.

Among Gymnosperms, these fronds are exceeded in weight only by Encephalartos laurentianus, and the blade (lamina) of C. multipinnata is by far the largest.

Cycas multipinnata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its native forest habitats in southern China. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cycas multipinnata inhabits subtropical evergreen forests and forest margins in limestone karst regions of southern China, typically growing on rocky slopes and in forest understories at elevations between 200-800 meters. The species requires well-drained soils and partial shade conditions provided by the forest canopy.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycas multipinnata classified as Critically Endangered?
Cycas multipinnata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Cycas multipinnata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its native forest habitats in southern China. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging.
Where does Cycas multipinnata live?
Cycas multipinnata occurs in China, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycas multipinnata?
The main threats to Cycas multipinnata are 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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