Cycads
 
Dioon spinulosum![]()
Synonymy:
UnknownCommon Names:
UnknownDistribution:
MexicoHabitat:
Limestone canyons in tropical evergreen forests.Description:
The largest of the American cycads, up to 16m tall, and 40 cm in diameter. Numerous 1.5-2.0m light green, stiff leaves, 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 soil. The most commonly grown Dioon by a significant margin.
Figure 1. A young plant.
Figure 2. D. spinulosum leaf detail.
Contributed by: Mike Gray (Figure 1). Ian Edwards (Figure 2).
For further information try Links