Description

General aspect and origins - Dioon edule is also known as virgin palm or chestnut dioon. It belongs to the cycads group and is native to Mexico. It is a very slow growing cycad.
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen, pinnate with up to 200 leaflets and are up to 3-5 ft. (90 cm to 1.50 m)
Flowers - Dioon edule is dioecious. Female cones are egg-shaped, are up to 12 in (30 cm) long and have a wooly aspect. Male cones are smaller.
Fruits - The fruit of Dioon edule contains edible seeds.

Culture

This cycad is relatively cold hardy, as it was reported to survive cold temperatures down to about 19-23°F. (-5 to -7°C) It can thus be grown in USDA zones 9 and warmer, and can even be tried in zone 8b with some protection.
Soil - Dioon edule needs a well-drained soil that remains moist.

Propagation

This plant is generally propagated by seeds, in mid to late winter or early-spring.