Can you please tell me how to grow the Hedycarya arborea from seed. I am working in the bus at Camp Tuhikaraema in Hamilton. Today I found the Pigeonwood seeds. about 25 of them. I am trying to work out how to grown them to build up our supply in the bush.
Hi Mary, If you check the bottom of the species page (http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx?ID=805) there is usually a brief note on propagation. In this case it just says 'easy from seed' which confirmed what I thought. Just remove the flesh from the outside and sow in a shaded spot. If they don't come up this year, wait and see if they come up next year as some of the natives don't germinate until after they've sat through a summer.
Hi Mary, These fruit should be very ripe (bright orange). Remove the flesh by rubbing of, then rinsing. Sew immediately, otherwise the seed will become dehydrated and worthless. Seed raising mix for soil will be sufficient.
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