The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Any thoughts on the best method to successfully store titoki seed

Hi Anita, titoki seed is renowned for not being suitable to be stored. It is referred to as perishable often. However I know of one situation where seed from the previous season was found on a footpath then sewn and a good germination rate was achieved. So, if you wish to try to store it, remove all of the fleshy red bit allow to dry for a couple of days then store in a cool dark situation in a envelope and you may have some success. I certainly can't guarantee results but it might be worth a try.

Why store it? As you are in Wellington (titoki is natural there), and assuming you plan to sow the seed in spring, why not sow it now into a pot or into a semi-sheltered site in the ground. This will keep the seed fresh and ensure any stratification requirements will be met. The seed will then germinate at the appropriate time. I have no direct experience with titoki but some natives require a period of chilling followed by warm damp and another chill, so give it 2 years if nothing happens in the first year.

Thanks for the replies, purely looking at trying to store some for the lean seasons. We want to be able to produce about 600 - 1000 plants annually for our restoration programme and this is a good mast season