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come from the coastal area of Mexico around Nuevo Leon , San Luis , and Tamaulipas , Dioon edule(dy - OH - awn ED - yew - ballad ) is a perennial hailing from prehistorical time .
Its scientific name translates roughly to “ two comestible ballock ” , a mention to the paired seed it produces . As with other members of theZamiaceaefamily , it is dioecious , medal - like cycad , although its leaflets lack the border spines common among its kindred .
Dioon edulehas a number of common figure , thanks to its popularity . These include : chestnut dioon , comb - similar leaf , Mexican spicy chamal , Mexican cycad , palma de Dolores , palma de Santa Teresita , palma de la virgen ( AKA virgin ’s medal ) , and peine .
There are actually two subspecies of the flora , Dioon edule var eduleandDioon edule Angustifolium , both of which are on the verge of becoming peril .
Dioon Edule Care
Size & Growth
As mentioned , this is a easy - growing plant life , but it has the ability to achieve a height of nearly 160 ’ groundwork in optimum conditions . It is one of two specie in the genus ( the other being Dioon spinulosum ) to bear growth rings , although these only appear every 20 to 30 year . The tree trunk itself is fairly flimsy , measuring close to 8″ to 20″ inches in diam .
A cluster of leaves go forth from the summit in a spiral musical arrangement . This potent , upright leafage rate in color from blue greens to bright green and may be wearisome or semi - glossy .
The leaves are flat , measuring 39 ” to 49 ” inches long and are oriented in section with opposing leaflets inserted on the rachis at 180 ° degrees . about 15 to 150 leathery pinnate leaflet are present , taper to a sharp decimal point with the basal folder reduced into spines .
Flowering and Fragrance
Dioonproduces either manful and distaff strobilus , with the male cones ranging from fusiform to ovoid in shape and being more often than not smaller at 6 ” to 16 ” inch long and 2 ” to 4 ” in in diameter .
They have a pale brown coming into court and give rise pollen . The distaff cone , conversely , is a more ovoid 8 ” to 14 ” inches long and 5 ” to 8 ” inches in diam , with a pallid greyness appearing .
Dioon edule seed retinal cone have soft , featherlike scales and can count between 2 and 4.5 pounds . inwardly are up to 200 nut - sized seeds grouped in span which become exposed as the cone unravels .
The seeds themselves mature after a twelvemonth and are edible . They have an ovoid , blanched to skim appearing , each measuring 1 to 1.8 ” inches long and .8 to 1.2 ” inches wide .
Light & Temperature
While virgin ’s medallion can survive in full Sunday when planted outdoors , it absolutely loves fond wraith , especially in hotter clime .
The ideal emplacement to plant open air are USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 . This is one of the most cold intrepid cycad , being capable to stand rime condition down to 10 ° degrees Fahrenheit for up to four days if mature and well - demonstrate .
Watering and Feeding
During the acquire time of year , Dioon edule should receive a moderate amount of water to keep the soil moist , with the flora slowly becoming drought patient of as it ages .
Reduce tearing in winter to just enough to keep the soil from wholly dry out . assay to avoid take into account the leaves to get too slopped by ensuring the plant has access to airflow in more humid condition .
Potted plant will take more frequent lachrymation than freestanding plants .
A fertiliser containingtrace elementsand equal part of atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and potassium works unspoiled as a newbie . you could use either a dull - sacking or tot up melted plant food once per month during the growing time of year .
Soil & Transplanting
Mexican cycad is n’t very picky when it comes to soil types , so long as it ’s moist and has in force drain . Chalky , loamy , or sandy soils all run well . Adding some mulch will help ensure the soil does n’t dry out too tight in hotter climates .
When transplanting between containers , you should place for a well - drain potting commixture or portmanteau of potting soil and Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin . Soils designed for cacti and other succulents are good options .
Never leap sizes when repotting ; the plant only needs one container size larger and does n’t reply to the amount of growth place provided .
Small plants will come well in pots up to 4 ” column inch , while medium - sized plant enjoy pot sizes up to 5.5 ” in before having to promote . It should be noted that this industrial plant is very sensitive to melodic line bubbles , so be indisputable to add plenty of water after graft to crumple the dirt .
Grooming And Maintenance
This is an extremely low - maintenance plant , able-bodied to withstand small-scale negligence once established .
How To Propagate Virgin’s Palm
you may propagate Dioon edule through either seed or water parting by replant the pups at the base of an old plant . To grow from come , you will either need to have both a male and distaff or procure fresh seeds from a grower .
Surface sow these atop damp gumption , and stash away in an area that remains between 75 ° and 90 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Once the radicle has emerge , move the seedling to aq bay window of flaxen compost , being deliberate not to damage the taproot or coralloid roots . Keep the can in a shaded country aside from draft and feed frequently .
Repot the plant as needed . You may transplant outdoors after about four to eight eld once the leaves are in full output .
Dioon edulePest or Disease Problems
This flora is both cervid and drouth repellent . It can also cover some degree of salt content .
Despite being quite hardy , overwatering can lead to a issue of issue , including theme and source putrefaction . It is also susceptible toscale insects , and caterpillars roll in the hay to crunch on its unripened leaves . Details onHow To Stop Caterpillars .
Suggested Dioon Edule Uses
While not normally ascertain outdoors of botanic garden , Dioon edule ’s similarity to medal trees makes it a keen substitute in landscapes where the latter has problem growing . Its increase resistance to insensate , disease , and pests also make it an attractive replacement .
The ejaculate pulp is traditionally boil , roast , or used for flour in tortillas , while the stem produces a starch normally called Mexican indian shot . The ejaculate have also been used in treating neuralgia .
own aDioone eduleis not only helping to preserve this alone works and render an attractive point of conversation . It can live for up to 1,500 year , cause it a precious family heirloom that will survive any other material possession .
