Propagation
Collect and sow seed when ripe and keep moist maintaining a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F) Germination normally takes up to 30 days and the viability period is short. Do not allow the seeds to dry out before sowing as this inhibits germination.


Botanic information
Leaf: The costapalmate fronds have deeply divided dark green segments with inconspicuously toothed margins The underside is greyish and the fan-shaped frond can be up to 1m (3ft) wide.

Flower: The male and female cyathiform flowers appear on different plants (dioecious) but both have whitish overlapping bowl-shaped bracts. They are arranged in a pendant panicle that is up to 800mm (20in) long and appear among the leaves during spring.

Fruit: The broad kidney-shaped drupe is a dark blue and covered in a whitish wax. It may be up to 12mm (˝ in) wide by 20mm (ľin) long.

Palm Seed
Palm seed should be sown as soon as possible after collection as the viability period is short and ripe mature fruit is essential. Do not allow the seed to dry out and when placed in a container of water any seed that floats should be discarded. After selecting seeds dust with a fungicide, as they are prone to fungal attack.

A soil mix composed of half peat moss and half perlite is a reliable media and after sowing placed the containers on a bench with bottom heat with a temperature of 28şC (80şF) and don`t allow it dry out. It may take up to 1 or 2 years for germination of some species to occur but this may be accelerated by scarification or soaking the seeds in gibberellic at 1000ppm for two days.