E. relictus
Original plant in nature.
The plant consisted of 4 stems (3 big stems and a stem of about 50 – 60 cm). At this stage two stems are in private collections where they are thriving. The two decumbent stems died.
E. relictus in private collection (Remaining big stem)
E. relictus in private collection (Remaining smaller stem)
The sex of these plants is male and therefore there is no seed production. A few suckers have been successfully established and are in private collections. E. relictus is a robust grower and establishing the suckers is not difficult providing the correct procedures are followed.
- Full sun to light shade.
- Regular watering.
- Tolerant of light frost.
Propagation:
- Propagation only from suckers.
Natural Habitat:
- Siteki district in Swaziland growing in mixed deciduous woodland.
- The trunk is erect but can become decumbent.
- Stems can become 2.5 meter with diameter of 40 – 50 cm.
- Leaf bases are persistent.
- Crown of the stem is covered with golden brown wool.
Stem of 50cm diameter.
Crown is covered with dense golden-brown wool.
Leaves:
- The leaves are numerous in a dense spreading crown.
- When flushing, new leaves are covered with golden brown wool.
- Leaves later become subglabrous with a dark green, sometimes with a waxy grey colour.
- The rachis of the leaves are straight and woolly, also becoming glabrous with age.
- The leaflets of young leaves are woolly, covered by a silvery golden layer of hair, becoming glabrous with age.
Leaves in a dense spreading crown.
Young leaflets are covered with a silvery layer of fine hair.
Leaves later become glabrous with a dark green colour.
Pinnae/leaflets are inflexed directed towards the leaf apex.
Leaflets are thin, long with a length of up to 23 to 29cm.
Leaflets have nodules on the upper part with a dark glabrous green colour.
Lower part of the leaflets have prominent veins with a light green colour.
Leaflets are thin and prominently concave from edge to edge.
Leaflets can be long elongated ,straight and in some instances slightly S-shaped.
Leaflets can be long elongated ,straight and in some instances slightly S-shaped.
The pinnae are inflexed directed towards the apex of the leaf at an angle of ± 60˚ to the rachis. Opposing leaflets inflexed and orientation of leaflets varies from incubous to succubous. Leaflets are long, lanceolate and pungent, with margins entire and slightly thickened.The upper side of the leaflets are dark green with a lighter green on the back. The leaflets have 20 – 25 prominent veins at the back.
Cones:
- As mentioned before, only 1 male plant was found.
- Cones emerge lime green but become yellowish green with maturity.
Emerging male cone.
Male cone shedding pollen.
