Description

A small to medium sized cycad which develops a trunk to 1 m tall and 25 cm diameter.

Mature Leaves

Numerous, obliquely erect, 1 - 2 m long, stiff, rigid, dark green, broadest near the middle and tapered to each end, flat in cross-section, straight in profile.

Male Cones

30 - 80 x 8 - 10 cm, long-cylindrical, light brown.

Female Cones

30 - 50 x 20 - 30 cm, ovoid, greenish, grey, densely hairy.

Seeds

3.5 - 5 x 3 - 4 cm, ovoid, the sarcotesta roughened, cream or white.

Distribution and Habitat

Occurs in Honduras and has also recently been collected in north central Nicaragua. In Honduras it grows in a dry rocky canyon at an altitude of about 750 m.

Notes

Seedlings of this species are similar to those of D. spinulosum but have a prickly petiole. The seeds have an unusual tail-like appendix on the chalazal end.

Cultivation

Suited to tropical, subtropical and perhaps temperate regions. This species has been reported as surviving temperatures down to - 5 C. Dioon mejiae is one of the more commonly grown members of this genus. It is a very hardy species which will withstand considerable exposure to sun as well as some dryness of the roots.

Propagation

From fresh seed, or from suckers which are freely produced and transplant readily.