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 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 dark green pinnate fronds have a petiole that is up to 300mm (1ft) long with a tubular sheath that forms a slender greyish-green crown shaft. The broad-lanceolate leaflets are pendant with a prominent mid rib and toothed at the apex.

Flower: The upright branched panicle has a short flattened peduncle and is enclosed in 2-decidious bracts and appears below the fronds around the trunk. The small cyathiform flowers are arranged with 2-male to 1-female on the lower rachillae.

The symmetrical male flower has 3-imbricate sepals and 3-valvate petals, enclosing many stamens and a pistillode the same length. The male flowers are arranged in pairs or solitary in the upper part of the inflorescence.

The female flower has 3-imbricate sepals and petals, containing 3 to 6 staminodes and a single pistil with 1-cell with 1-ovule.

Fruit: The ovoid drupe is deep red and the seed contains endosperm. The flowering and fruiting period may vary in tropical regions.