Question

Cycas cricinalis is a source of
A. Timber
B. Resin
C. Sago
D. Essential oil

Answer 1

Hint: Cycas circinalis are evergreen shrubs that grow up to 3.5 metre or 11 feet. They grow at a very slow rate and are gymnosperms. The pith is rich in carbohydrates and is found in abundance. Cycas circinalis look like a palm tree.

Complete answer: Cycas cricinalis, commonly known as the queen sago, is a species of cycad found in southern India. Cycas circinalis belongs to gymnosperm and it is a native species of Sri Lanka. The roots of the queen sago plant are coralloid. Coralloid roots Anabaena cycadae is associated with coralloid roots of queen sago. Anabaena help to fix the nitrogen in the root of the Cycas circinalis. The pith of Cycas circinalis contains edible starch. Sago is made from the pith of Cycas circinalis. Cycads sago is a poisonous plant, so its extraction requires special care. Sago is extracted from the pith of stem, root, and seeds of the Cycads tree, then the pith is a grind and then washed carefully to remove toxic substances. The starchy residue then dried and cooked. After cooking the starchy residue we get starch similar to palm sago.

So the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Seed of cycasin can cause prostate cancer and fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cycasin toxin is present inside the seed of the cycad tree. Poison can be removed by soaking seeds in water. Most animals get poisoned by eating Cycas circinalis. In New Guinea and the Moluccas sago is an important staple. Sago is also known as rabia. Cycad trees can grow easily in sandy soil.