noun
sago cycad; king sago palm; Japanese sago palm
A common ornamental cycad native to southern Japan, often planted in gardens and parks. The name refers to the species Cycas revoluta.
庭に大きなソテツが植えてある。
A large sago cycad is planted in the garden.
ソテツは寒さに弱いので、冬は室内に入れます。
Sago cycads are sensitive to cold, so I bring them indoors in winter.
The Japanese name そてつ (蘇鉄) is a Sino-Japanese compound meaning 'revived iron', possibly referring to the plant's resilience or the use of iron filings as fertilizer. The exact origin is uncertain.