Death rates among seedlings are considerable, which is detrimental to a slow-growing plant such as the "Dioon edule". Seeds must combat harsh, dry climates and frequent bushfires. Most mature plants are heavily armored and able to withstand these fires. Smaller seeds and juvenile plants are not so fortunate. However, the release of nutrients and minerals encourages females to develop cones during the following season. In addition to climate, seeds must also avert rodent predators. This is reasonably unusual because cycad seeds and foliage are poisonous to most mammals, excluding these varied species of rodents. Young leaves of "D. edule" are also eaten by the "Eumaeus debora" butterfly larvae.