Starchy material obtained from the pith of the sago palm Metroxylon sagu. It forms a nutritious food and is used for manufacturing glucose and sizing textiles.
Red and white are traditional colours, dating back to the flag of 19th-century Samoan king, Malietoa Laupepa. The Southern Cross constellation links Samoa to other countries in the southern hemisphere. Effective date: 4 July 1997.