the genus
DIOON

From the Greek "dis", two, and "oon", an egg, in reference to the paired ovules in the female "sporophyll" (cone).

Family: Zamiaceae
Subfamily: Encephalartoideae
Tribe: Diooeae

The tribe includes only the single genus Dioon.

This is a striking genus of robust trunk forming cycads with at least nine species native to Mexico and one to Honduras. The stiffly held pinnate leaves bear numerous narrowly pointed leaflets attached at sharp angles to the rachis (leaf stem), so that the individual leaves of many Dioon resemble feathers. Most species have foliage of a beautiful blue-gray color, making them especially distinctive in garden display. Several Dioon species occur at moderate elevations in the Mexican sierras and show excellent tolerance to frost.

Culture: Dioon species accept sun, but are most luxuriant when grown under shaded conditions. Established plants tolerate drought. Good drainage is essential.

Dioon edule
Common Name: Mexican Sago Palm, Chamal, Palma de la Virgen
Cold Tolerance: 14F (-10C) USDA Zones: 8b-11

Typical Height: 5'-10' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Clustering

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 15-65gal.

Other species of Dioon:
D. califanoi, D. edule var angustifolium, D. edule var edule Queretaro, D. mejiae, D. merolae, D. spinulosum (all in stock)