Cycas thouarsii¿¿
5 seeds
¿¿"Madagascar cycad"
Cycas thouarsii is one of the largest cycads and probably the fastest-growing, reaching over 9m (30 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 45cm (18 inches) in diameter, producing offsets along its length. It generates up to 40 leaves at a time, each up to 10 feet long. Cycas thouarsii grows in open coastal forests of Madagascar, the Comoros Islands and the Seychelles. It is also found on the East Coast of Africa, where the species may have been established by Arab traders because of its beauty and food value.
It is completely hardy to only a very light frost but can tolerate short duration temperatures down to around -4C with minor leaf scorching, which plants grow out of with a flush of new leaves. Plants should be protected from prolonged or lower cold temperatures.
Cycas seed germination guide lines:
If the seeds appear dry, soak them in warm water for 1-3 days. Desiccation may result in the seeds moving around in the shell when shaken. This does not affect their viability. Most cycad seeds sink in water, which is an easy way to check their viability. Seeds of some species though float naturally, such as Cycas thouarsii and C. litoralis.
For sowing, use a free draining mix of peat, cocofiber and sand, perlite, or similar media. It should be kept moist but not wet. Fill a pot and bury the seeds only halfway in the compost. Cover with clear plastic and label with species name and date. The baggie method, as recommended for palms, will also work but seeds should best stay on top of the compost.
No light is required for germination. Most cycads germinate best at temperatures between 25 and 30C (75 to 90F). Check weekly for signs of activity by looking for white roots through the plastic. Ensure that the medium does not dry out. Most cycads will sprout after 4-8 weeks.
After the seeds have sprouted, plant each in a tall, narrrow pot using a well drained medium, label, and place in ample light. Species from drier habitats can take full sun from early age. Aim to keep the soil moist but never wet, feed and pot on as required.
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