COSTILLA DE LEON
Also Known As
SPANISH:
Costilla de León
Palma de Camote
Palma Imperial
Piña del Monte
SYNONYM:
Ceratozamia mexicana var. robusta
One of the Spanish names for this plant in Mexico is Costilla de Lion, which translates to Rib of the Lion. It has such a beautiful fruiting body. It is the largest species within the genus and is native to Belize, Guatelama, and parts of Mexico. It is currently a protected, endangered species. Populations have "declined at least 50% within the last 20 years." You will occasionally encounter this rarity at some south Florida botanical gardens. I snapped these photos at the Palm Arboretum in St. Pete.
MAIN PHOTO: June 6, 2017, St. Pete, Florida.
NATIVE TO: Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico.
CONSERVATION: IUCN writes, "Endangered. 10-12 locations. Population of mature individuals: 2500 to 6000. Although widespread, there has been a general decline in all populations that have been monitored over the past 20 years. The decline is estimated to be at least 50% over the past 20 years (<1 generation). It is likely that the taxon will be further segregated in future and some of the resulting taxa may qualify for Critically Endangered status."
More Details
Native?
Non-Native
References
[1] IUCN, iucnredlist.org
[2] botanicwonders.com