Cycads   Dioon spinulosum

Common Names: Giant Dioon, Gum Palm Distribution & Habitat: It is found in rocky, limestone evergreen forests in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Yucatan at up to 450 metres (1500 feet) above sea level. Description: The largest of the American cycads, up to 16m (50ft) tall, and 40cm (18in) in diameter. Numerous 1.5-2.0m (4.5-6ft) long, light green, stiff leaves, with a flat cross-section. The female cone is the largest cone of any gymnosperm, (both living and extinct) and can be up to 55cm long, weigh up to 13kg, and contain up to 300 seeds. Culture: An attractive, easily grown and popular plant for the sub-tropics. Prefers full sun/light shade, and a neutral to alkaline well drained soil. The most commonly grown Dioon by a significant margin. Figure 1. A young plant of D. spinulosum Figure 2. D. spinulosum leaf detail. Figure 3. Looking into a D. spinulosum . Links: Floridata Wikimedia (Images) Virtual Cycad Encyclopedia Virtual Cycad Encyclopedia (transplanting)   Contributed by: Mike Gray (Figure 1) Ian Edwards (Figure 2). Jill Hall (Figure 3).

For further information try