Propagation
Sow seed when ripe in trays out-doors in cool climates or place in a cool greenhouse then prick out and pot up when large enough to handle.

Alternatively spring sown seeds require stratification for 2 to 3 months at 5° C. Prick out and pot up for the first season then plant out in situ during spring after the frost period has passed.

Semi-hardwood cuttings that are up to 100 mm (4 in) long with a heel, taken during mid-summer and placed in a humid warm protected position until roots appear.


Botanic information
Leaf: The small leathery textured leaves oblong to elliptical up to 30 mm (1? in) wide and with 5-7 prominent veins on the upper surface and has two rounded teeth between each vein along the margins. The apex is obtuse and the petiole is 2-6 mm (Ľ in)long. The new growth is bronze coloured and during autumn the leaves turn orange before falling.

Flower: The flowers are unisexual; the male flower has a pedestal to 4 mm (? in)long with 15-20 reddish exserted stamens and appears solitary or in a cluster of 3-4 on a short branchlet. The pubescent sessile female flower has 5-7 lobes and appears solitary or in pairs in the leaf axils.

Fruit: There are normally three 3-angled nuts (beechnuts) that are inclosed in a scaly involucre with 2 to 4 lobes. The small seeds lose viability quickly and the germination rate is less than 30%. The small seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.