Propagation
Collect and sow seed when ripe, keep moist, maintaining a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F) Germination normally takes up to 90 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 grey green costapalmate fronds are deeply cut with tapering segments that are divided at the apex. The petiole is up to 600mm (2ft) long and armed with slender blackish spines up to 100mm (4in) long, arranged along the margins of the leaf sheath.

Flower: The panicle appears amongst the leaf bases and is twice branched and the peduncle is accompanied with a few thin bracts. The bisexual cyathiform flowers have 3-sepals and 3- imbricate petals, 6-stamens and the style is slender. They appear during mid summer.

Fruit: The globose drupe has a smooth exocarp that is white turning yellowish and maturing black. The seed has homogeneous endosperm.