ENCEPHALARTOS EUGENE-MARAISII

BLUE SOUTH AFRICAN CYCAD FROM THE TRANSVAAL AREA
VERY SOUGHT AFTER BY ENTHUSIAST

MEDIUM SIZED MATURE – UPRIGHT LEAVES

This species is endemic to the Waterberg range in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Their habitat is dry and arid. They grow on steep rocky slops, grasslands and savanna. It is a small to medium sized species. Leaf length generally does not exceed a meter and stems can get about four meters high. Of the Transvaal (previous province within South Africa north of the Vaal River) species, this is the most common. That being said, this species is still exceptionally rare and almost extinct in the wild.

The leaves on this species can vary from a blue/green color, to a powdery silver and in some cases be an aquamarine. Leaflets twist almost perpendicular to the petiole, giving them a ‘stacking’ appearance (like blinds). In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in the full sun, but can tolerate partial sun. Cold tolerance is about 22 degrees F.
The seedlings on special are 24 month old with two to three leaves. We rarely put them on special. They are shown in the first three photos. The 4th photo is our 15 gallon plants.

Remember to mention this Blog Special for this discount at the time of purchase.