Dioon edule

Chestnut dioon
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Zamiaceae
Genus: Dioon
Species:
D. edule
Binomial name
Dioon edule
Synonyms
  • Dioon aculeatum
  • Dioon imbricatum
  • Dioon strobilaceum
  • Dioon strobilosum
  • Macrozamia littoralis
  • Macrozamia pectinata
  • Platyzamia rigida
  • Zamia maeleni

Dioon edule, the chestnut dioon, is a cycad native to Mexico, also known as palma de la virgen. Cycads are among the oldest seed plants and even pre-date the dinosaurs.[3] It belongs to the Zamiaceae plant family within the order Cycadales. The genus name "Dioon" means "two-egged", referring to the two ovules (see photo below).

Two subspecies are known, the nominate subspecies growing in a moister environment than the other:

  • Dioon edule subsp. angustifolium
  • Dioon edule subsp. edule
  1. ^ Chemnick, J.; Gregory, T. (2010). "Dioon edule". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T42158A10643785. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T42158A10643785.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ In: Edwards's Botanical Register 29: misc. 59-60. 1843. "Name - Dioon Lindl". Tropicos. Saint Louis, Missouri: Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved February 15, 2010. Annotation: as 'Dion' ; orth. & nom. cons.
    Type Specimen: Dioon edule Lindl.
  3. ^ The United States Botanical Garden