176-year-old Queen Sago Palm blooms at Lahore Lawrence Garden

Ancient lineage predates the garden

The tree belongs to the Cycad family, a group whose fossil record extends back nearly 280 million years. This plant existed before the historic garden was established in the 1860s as a botanical space modelled on London's Kew Gardens.

Dinosaur era connections and diet

Experts note that these plants were widespread during the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs dominated the Earth. Fossil evidence suggests plant-eating sauropods likely fed on the foliage, cones, and nutrient-rich seeds of these ancient trees.

Growth habits and longevity

Horticulture experts describe Cycads as known for their exceptionally slow growth and remarkable ability to live for centuries. Their structure has remained largely unchanged over millions of years despite changes in the environment around them.