germination of South African Romulea?

J D Hitchmough J.D.Hitchmough@sheffield.ac.uk
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:51:37 PST
In my limited experience to date with wild collected seed of unknown age,
germination of autumn sown seed is typically erratic and the total germination
percentage very low, typically <5%.  Is this typically other peoples
experience, or is germination higher with fresh seed?  Has anyone tried
scarification or hot water treatment to abrade/soften the hard seed coat prior
to sowing with any success? I assume that antelope/sheep browse Romulea
capsules, and passage through their guts might achieve similar effects in their
habitat?    The scientific literature suggests that smoke/fire does not
directly imporve germination of Romulea. 

Any experiences?


James Hitchmough

Zone 8-ish
Professor of Horticultural Ecology
Department of Landscape
Arts Tower
University of Sheffield
S10 2TN


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