E. eugene mariasii is a rare heat & cold tolerant blue-leafed cycad. Also known as the Waterberg Cycad, this plant is closely related to several other species (E. middelburgensis, E. dyerianus, E. dolomiticus and E. hirsutus). It is distinguished within this group of blue-leaved Transvaal species by its straight leaves which curve downward at the ends, entire (spineless) median leaflets, a clear petiole 5-7 inches long, and green cones with a fine brown fuzz. This group of Transvaal species is distinguished from the blue-leaved species of the Cape Province (E. lehmannii and allies) by leaves of similar color on top and bottom, and stomata on both top and bottom surfaces.
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