Dioon edule  Dioon edule, commonly called the Chestnut Dioon, is native to the eastern coast of Mexico. Cycads are the oldest seed plants, pre-dating dinosaurs in the fossil record. Wild populations of Dioon edule are threatened by habitat destruction and collection of plants for horticultural and medicinal uses. Their extremely slow growth rate and infrequent reproduction limit the ability of populations to recover from these disturbances. Measures being taken to protect this rare plant include conservation of plant material in botanical gardens and seed banks, enforcement of legislation controlling trade in cycads, and protection of wild populations. |
