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 3 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 glossy dark green pinnate fronds have drooping linear leaflets (pinnae) that are up to 1.5m (5ft) long arranged 2-ranks on the same plane along the rachis.

The petiole is up to 600mm (2ft) long and the glossy green crownshaft extends down the trunk for 2m (6ft).

Flower: The 1m (3ft) long inflorescence appears erect below the crownshaft and is well branched. It is enclosed by 2-decidious bracts with the larger upper one pointed.

The small cyathiform flowers are arranged densely in groups of 3 with 2-male and 1-female appearing in the lower part of the cluster. The upper part of the inflorescence consists of male flowers only.

The male flower has 3-imbricate sepals and 3-petals that may be united at the base. It contains 6-stamens with the filaments exserted and a small sterile pistil.

The female flower has 3-imbricate sepals and 3-petals that are united at the base and may also touch at the apex. It contains a stigma that is divided into three at the apex and has a 1-celled ovary with 1-ovule.

Note
The flowering period is during late winter but can vary in tropical regions and they may appear throughout the year.

Fruit: The oblong purplish-black drupe is slightly flattened and is up to 10mm (?in) wide. They are arranged in a dense cluster.