DIOON

a New World genus of ornamental cycads (plants of the family Cycadaceae). It is the most primitive American genus in the family and includes four or more species. The spiny-leaved, slow-growing giant dioon (D. spinulosum) may attain a height of 15 m (about 50 feet). It is a popular house plant. Starch like that of arrowroot is obtained from the seeds of D. edule.