Propagation
Collect and sow seed when ripe or earlier, keep moist, maintaining a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F)

Germination normally takes up to 6 months and the viability period is short. Do not allow the seeds to dry out before sowing as this inhibits germination.


Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green pinnate fronds have acuminate linear segments up to to 700mm (28in) long and are arranged in one plane along the rachis. The short petiole has a tubular sheath that forms a prominent reddish brown crown-shaft up to 450mm (18in) long that may be swollen at the base.

The slightly pendant leaflets are up to 40mm (1?in) long and there are more that 90-per side of the rachis.

Flower: The panicle has a short peduncle and is twice branched, appearing below the leaves in a ring and enclosed in 2 to 3 papery deciduous bracts. The 2-male and 1-female flowers are arranged on the lower third of the rachillae and the upper being male only.

The cyathiform male flowers have 3-imbricate sepals, 3- valvate petals and containing 6-stamens and a cylindrical pistillode.

The female flowers have 3-imbricate sepals and petals that are valvate at the apex. It encloses 3-staminoides and a small pistil that is 1-celled with 1-ovule.

Fruit: The ovoid berry-like drupe contains an ellipsoid seed that has homogeneous endosperm. The flowering and fruiting period may vary in tropical regions.