Stem: E. cerinus is a dwarf plant with a subterranean stem which may be partly exposed if growing in a rock crevice. Mature stems are 300 mm long and 200 to 250 mm in diameter. It suckers or branches sparingly from the base. LEAVES: Eight to ten leaves, 0.9 to 1.2 m long with the median leaflets 13 to 15 mm long and 10 to 12 mm broad. The leaflets are held almost vertical to the crown. The petiole or leaf stalk is 120 to 180 mm long and bare. The leaflets are entire with occasionally one to two teeth in the lower margin of juvenile or seedling leaflets. The leaflets overlap from the middle of the leaf towards the top. The leaflets are blue green in colour and quite distinctive with a thick waxy covering. The latter fact gave rise to the specific epithet 'cerinus' meaning waxy. CONES: The cones of both sexes are solitary although males in cultivation occasionally produce two or three together. The cones are blue green in colour, turning yellow at maturity. The cones likewise are covered with the thick waxy bloom so characteristic of this species. Male cones are 550 to 600 mm long and 80 to 100 mm in diameter. The median cone scales have a flattened terminal facet. The male cones are borne on an 80 mm peduncle. The female cones are egg shaped, 300 to 350 mm long and 150 to 180 mm in diameter. The face of the female cone scales is smooth with a fringed lower edge. SEEDS: 25 mm long and 15 mm in diameter and deep red.
Home