Dioon edule
Common name: Chestnut Dioon, Virgin’s Palm, Mexican Cycad, Mexican Blue Chamal Family: Zamiaceae Synonymous: Dioon aculeatum Dioon imbricatum Dioon strobilaceum Dioon strobilosum Macrozamia littoralis Macrozamia pectinata Platyzamia rigida Zamia maeleni Zamia friderici-guilielmi Zamia macleani Zamia rigida Distribution and habitat: Dioon edule is endemic to the eastern coast of Mexico. It commonly grows in tropical deciduous thorn forests and oak woodlands. They are usually found at an altitude between sea-level and 1500m (5000 feet) in harsh areas including exposed, shallow soils. Most of the areas in which Dioon edule grows are subjected to very dry climates and frequent brush fires which impact their survival and distribution. Description: Dioon edule is a medium-sized Cycad with rather stiff, straight, light to blue-green leaves 100-200cm (39-78 inch) long which, as in all Cycads, are large and divided, giving the plant the appearance of a palm or tree-fern. Each leaf