Description

Dioon spinulosum is one of the tallest cycads in the world and a striking architectural plant, native to limestone cliffs and forested slopes of eastern Mexico. Often called the giant dioon, it features a slow-growing trunk that can eventually reach over 15 feet tall, topped with a dense crown of stiff, blue-green, spiny-edged fronds that can grow up to 8 feet long. It is remarkably tolerant of dry soils and partial shade, making it a favorite in subtropical gardens or conservatories.

In the wild, Dioon spinulosum is typically found in warm, limestone-rich habitats, often in seasonally dry forests. It is a threatened species due to habitat loss, and cultivated specimens are usually grown from seed or divisions to protect wild populations.