Propagation
Collect and sow seed when ripe, keep moist and maintain a temperature of 25şC (77ş F). Germination normally takes 45 days and the viability period is short.

Do not allow the seeds to dry out before sowing as this slows or inhibits germination.

Botanic information
Leaf: The arching costapalmate fronds have broad linear pleated segments that are obliquely cut with a toothed apex and are evenly spaced along the midrib. The scaly petiole is up to 300mm (1ft) long.

Flower:
The symmetrical male flowers have 3-imbricate sepals and 3-valvate petals with many stamens that have erect filaments and the pistillode is ovoid. The female flower has 3-imbricate sepals and petals and a 1-celled ovary with 1-ovule.

The 600mm (2ft) long nodding panicleappears from below the leaf bases on a thick short peduncle that is yellow-red in colour. It divides into several pendant side branches which in turn, are divided into slender rachillae. In bud the inflorescence is inclosed in 2-overlapping bracts that taper towards the apex and are shed during flowering.

Fruit: The small ovoid to elliptical drupe has a thin red skin and the seeds have 3 to 5 longitudinal groves (sulcate) and have endosperm. The flowering and fruiting period may vary in tropical regions.