Dioon spinulosum
A gum palm plant in Cocoa, Florida
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Zamiaceae
Genus: Dioon
Species:
D. spinulosum
Binomial name
Dioon spinulosum
Dyer ex Eichler

Dioon spinulosum, giant dioon, or gum palm, is a cycad endemic to limestone cliffs and rocky hillsides in the tropical rainforests of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico.[1][2] It is one of the tallest cycads in the world, growing to 12m in height. The tree is found at low elevations to 300 m above sea level.[1]

Dioon spinulosum prefers well-drained soil with regular water. It will grow in soils containing few nutrients, in soils rich in limestone, and on slopes. It is hardy to USDA Zones 9B – 11.

Dioon spinulosum has pinnate leaves that grow to about 5–7 ft (1.5-2.1 m) in length and radiate out from the trunk. The 120-240 leaflets on each leaf are small and flat, have small thorns and taper to a sharp point.

References

  1. 1 2 Whitelock, Loran M. (2002). The Cycads. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 532. ISBN 978-0-88192-522-7.
  2. Walters, Terrence; Osborne, Roy, eds. (2004). Cycad Classification: Concepts and Recommendations. Portland, Oregon: CAB International. p. 288. ISBN 978-0-85199-741-4.
  • Encyclopædia Britannica Giant dioon.
  • Michigan State University Horticulture .


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