Surprise! A very different look. I find the darndest things, don't I? This is real and not manipulated! A freak of nature is exciting to me.
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| Four! |
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| Unusual |
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| I removed background |
This is why I was delighted to find the "foursome." Rarely, a male sago will have several heads which can sprout multiple cones as shown.
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| This one is in Valdosta, Georgia and the photo is used with permission from Dr. Mink |
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In late spring, a mature male Sago produces a golden cone, shaped like a giant pine cone which may grow over 2' tall. A female produces a huge golden flower which slowly opens when it is fertile, then closes, and begins to produce viable seed if pollination from a male sago was successful.
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| "King" |
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| "Queen" |
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| "Princes and Princesses" |
Most Sagos must be at least 15 -20 years old before they are mature enough to bloom, and they also must be well established in your garden or landscape.
It is highly poisonous to both pets and humans. A chemical in the plant called cycasin is toxic and often causes permanent liver damage as well as neurological damage if enough of the poison is absorbed by the body. The seeds are the most poisonous part of the plant and the effects on humans are seizures, coma and death.
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Then I saw this large turtle in the creek.
The canna lilies by the creek have started to bloom.
It was a good day, even though way too hot!
