Dioon edule var. mejiae
 
Common Names Mejia’s Dioon, Palma Teosinte, Tusinte
 
Zones 9B–11
 
Dioon edule var. mejiae is a tropical cycad native to Honduras and parts of Nicaragua, often treated as a distinct species (Dioon mejiae) due to its unique morphology and habitat. It features a slender, columnar trunk and a crown of pale green, flat-profile fronds with spineless leaflets—offering a softer texture than most Dioon species. Adapted to steep slopes and canyon forests, it thrives in warm, humid conditions and is prized for its graceful form and resilience.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright, symmetrical; slow-growing
Height: Typically 3–6 ft; trunk may reach 1 m over centuries
Trunk: Slender, columnar; clothed with petiole scars
Leaves: Pinnate; 1–2 m long; pale to dark green; flat in profile; leaflets spineless except terminal tip
Petiole: Thorny near base
Inflorescence: Dioecious; male cones cylindrical, female cones woolly and compact
Fruit: Seeds large, tan to brown; toxic if ingested
Ecology: Native to subtropical rainforests on steep terrain; grows in sandy, loamy, or limestone-derived soils
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Filtered sun to partial shade; avoid harsh midday exposure
Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture with good drainage
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix; neutral to slightly acidic pH
Temperature: 60–95°F (15–35°C); protect from frost
Humidity: High; thrives in greenhouse or tropical outdoor settings
Propagation: By seed; slow germination and juvenile development
Tolerance: Sensitive to drought and cold; prefers stable, humid conditions
 
Landscape Use Ideal for tropical understory gardens, shaded cycad collections, and conservation-focused installations. Pairs well with Zamia fairchildiana, Calathea lutea, and Chamaedorea cataractarum for layered canopy and texture.