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 rounded palmate fronds are deeply divided with narrow triangular stiff segments that are notched at the apex. The petiole is up to 1.5m (5ft) long and is armed with backward facing spines. The colour varies from yellowish green to silvery-green.

Flower: The small bisexual cyathiform flowers have 3-sepals that form a tube and 3-slightly recurved petals. They are arranged in a short cluster amongst the leaf bases and the inflorescence is enclosed in a series of overlapping tubular bracts that persist. The flowering period may extend through out the year in tropical regions but it is more intense from spring to summer.

Fruit: The ovoid drupe is up to 12mm (˝in) wide and is green maturing to dark blue-black. The thick mesocarp is oily and the ovoid flattened seeds have a non-ruminate endosperm that is slightly intruded by the seed coat on one side.