Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate, which may take up to two years.
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during late summer.

Botanic information
Leaf: The flattened linear leaves are up to 3mm (⅛ in) wide with a spiny apex and a very short petiole. The underside has 2-yellow-green bands and during winter the leaves turn reddish-green. They are arranged in a dense spiral that appears to be 2-ranked. The ovoid brown buds have imbricate ovate scales that are concave and slightly keeled on the back. 

Flower: The globose male strobili has a short pedicle and are arranged on the underside in the leaf axils. The solitary green pear-shaped female strobili are also arranged in the leaf axils and they appear on the previous season’s wood on separate plants (dioecious) during spring.

Fruit: The ovoid cone is cup-shaped with several bracts at the base and a bony single green seed with a fleshy scarlet aril. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.