Dioon spinulosum
Dioon spinulosum | |
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A gum palm plant in Cocoa, Florida | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
(unranked): | Gymnosperms |
Division: | Cycadophyta |
Class: | Cycadopsida |
Order: | Cycadales |
Family: | Zamiaceae |
Genus: | Dioon |
Species: | D. spinulosum
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Binomial name | |
Dioon spinulosum ex Eichler
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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.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dioon spinulosum. |
References[]
- ^ a b Whitelock, Loran M. (2002). The Cycads. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press. p. 532. ISBN 978-0-88192-522-7.
- ^ Walters, Terrence; Osborne, Roy, eds. (2004). Cycad Classification: Concepts and Recommendations. Portland, Oregon: CAB International. p. 288. ISBN 978-0-85199-741-4.
External links[]
- Encyclopædia Britannica Giant dioon.
- Michigan State University Horticulture [1].
Categories:
- IUCN Red List endangered species
- Dioon
- Data deficient plants
- Cycad stubs