Japanese Sago Palm: Family: Cycadaceae (cycad family). Common Names: sago palm, Japanese sago palm, funeral palm. This unique plant resembles a palm tree but is actually a cycad. These living fossils, members of the Cycadaceae family, dominated the landscape during the Mesozoic era over 150 million years ago. Today about 10 genera of cycads still survive. The most commonly grown is the Japanese sago, also called the sago palm (even though it isn't really a palm). Provide adequate moisture for good growth. Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 10. This is a wonderful plant for both indoor and outdoor use. Inside provide morning sun or very bright, indirect light. Water when on the dry side.