The seeds of the Marula (Sclerocarya) are large and woody and normally germinate after the fruit has been eaten by a large herbiviore.
Much has been written about the use of strong acidic chemicals applied to the seeds to mimic this process. We cannot recommend these due to safety considerations. What we can advise is that the seeds are either soaked in a full strength solution of Salt Petre for 3 - 5 days prior to sowing OR carefully drilling out the 'eyes' in the seeds to damage the seed coat and allow water to ingress.
The seeds are polyembryonic, containing 3 or more potential seedlings in much the same was as Citrus members do. Like Citrus, it is important to keep only the strongest seedling or they will compete for soil/water/food and none will really thrive. So although it is possible to get 3 or more seedlings per seed, we cannot recommend this as a cultural method.
Sow the seed and cover with its own depth of good quality seed raising compost. Soil based is best, it holds water and heat for the germinating seed. Propagate at 25 Deg C or higher (in nature they often spring up along Elephant trails for obvious reasons). Once you can distinguish the seedlings, remove all bar the strongest from each seed. Growth after this will be fast and it will need repotting as it outgrows each size of pot. Gross feeders, they should get a balanced feed every few weeks whilst in active growth. Although evergreen, they may defoliate if the light levels drop, as they will in a temperate winter... They will produce new leaves once the days lengthen again.
Much has been written about the use of strong acidic chemicals applied to the seeds to mimic this process. We cannot recommend these due to safety considerations. What we can advise is that the seeds are either soaked in a full strength solution of Salt Petre for 3 - 5 days prior to sowing OR carefully drilling out the 'eyes' in the seeds to damage the seed coat and allow water to ingress.
The seeds are polyembryonic, containing 3 or more potential seedlings in much the same was as Citrus members do. Like Citrus, it is important to keep only the strongest seedling or they will compete for soil/water/food and none will really thrive. So although it is possible to get 3 or more seedlings per seed, we cannot recommend this as a cultural method.
Sow the seed and cover with its own depth of good quality seed raising compost. Soil based is best, it holds water and heat for the germinating seed. Propagate at 25 Deg C or higher (in nature they often spring up along Elephant trails for obvious reasons). Once you can distinguish the seedlings, remove all bar the strongest from each seed. Growth after this will be fast and it will need repotting as it outgrows each size of pot. Gross feeders, they should get a balanced feed every few weeks whilst in active growth. Although evergreen, they may defoliate if the light levels drop, as they will in a temperate winter... They will produce new leaves once the days lengthen again.
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