Dioon spinulosum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dioon spinulosum |
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| A gum palm plant in Cocoa, Florida | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Dioon
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| Species: |
spinulosum
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Dioon spinulosum, also known as the giant dioon or gum palm, is a special type of plant called a cycad. It grows naturally only in certain areas of Mexico, specifically on limestone cliffs and rocky hillsides within tropical rainforests in Veracruz and Oaxaca.
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What is the Giant Dioon?
The giant dioon is one of the tallest cycads in the world. It can grow up to 12 meters (about 39 feet) tall, which is like a four-story building! These plants are found in low areas, usually no higher than 300 meters (about 984 feet) above sea level.
Where Does the Giant Dioon Live?
This amazing plant loves places with good drainage, meaning water doesn't sit around its roots. It can grow in different kinds of soil, even those with few nutrients or lots of limestone. It also does well on slopes. The giant dioon prefers warm climates and can survive in areas similar to those found in parts of Florida or California.
What Does the Giant Dioon Look Like?
The leaves of the Dioon spinulosum are very long, growing about 1.5 to 2.1 meters (5 to 7 feet) in length. They spread out from the plant's main trunk. Each leaf has many smaller parts, called leaflets, usually between 120 and 240 of them. These leaflets are flat and small, with tiny thorns, and they come to a sharp point at the end.
Why is the Giant Dioon Important?
The Dioon spinulosum is listed as an endangered species. This means it's very important to protect these plants and their natural homes so they can continue to thrive for many years to come.
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