Propagation
Plant fresh seeds in a deep container to 150mm (6in) deep during spring, keep moist and maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27şC. (66ş to 81şF).

Sporadic germination may take up to 5-months and, do not allow the seed to dry out before sowing.


Botanic information
Leaf: The glossy dark green costapalmate (circular) fronds are divided into 8 to 24, 2-ribbed wedged-shaped segments that are notched at the apex and are widely spaced. The 2m (6ft) long petiole is sheaved in brown fibres and armed with large brown spines along the margins.

Flower: The erect inflorescence is up to 3m (12ft) long and appears from the leaf bases on a peduncle accompanied by persistent bracts. It is divided into several branches which in turn are divided into slender rachillae covered in brown tomentose.

The bisexual tubular flowers have 3-lobes that form a tube and have 3-lobes at the apex. There are 6-stamens that are inserted in the throat of the corolla tube and the flower has 3-cells with a separate 1-celled segment that is united at the top to form a single style.
The flowering period is during spring but can vary in tropical regions and they may appear throughout the year.

Fruit: