Mexican Fern palm, Mexican cycad, Edible-seed cycas
Dioon edule
Family: Zamiaceae
What it is like
A medium sized cycad. The trunk can be 3 m long. It can be erect or lie over. It is 30 cm across. The leaves are stiff and form an oblique crown. The leaves are 0.7-1.4 m long. They are broadest near the middle and taper to the end. The leaf stalk is 10-15 cm long. It is swollen at the base and lacks prickles. There are 120-160 leaflets in each leaf. The male cone is 20-40 cm long by 6-10 cm wide. It is like a cylinder. The female cones are 20-35 cm long and 12-20 cm wide. They are oval and hairy. The seeds are 2.5-3.5 cm
There are 10 Dioon species. They occur in Central America.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical conditions. It grows in deciduous and oak forests up to 1,500 m above sea level. In Adelaide Botanical Gardens. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America, Europe, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, SE Asia, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds yield a starch used as an arrowroot. It is used in tortillas. The seeds are eaten boiled or roasted.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed or from offshoots near the base. The seeds need to be stored for 6-8 months before they will germinate.
Its other names
Local names
Chamal, Cica, Palma de teresita, Quiotamal, Sikas palem gadis, Sikas palem meksiko, Tiotamal, Virgin palm