Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany) is a valuable African timber tree. Seeds germinate easily with up to 90% germination rate in 11-28 days. Mechanical scarification can achieve 100% germination in 2.5 days.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Mechanical scarification (nicking seed coat) significantly increases germination; optional but recommended
Soak
24 h Water soaking for 12-24 hours hastens germination; remove aril before planting
Pre-treatment not necessary but optional scarification or water soaking accelerates germination
Sowing
Substrate
River sand and compost (5:1 mixture)
Depth
levemente_coberta
Temperature
25°C
Moisture
media
Container
Seedling tray
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at levemente_coberta · 25°C
Day 10–28
Seedlings emerge (~90%)
Tips
Use large seeds for better seedling survival. Press seeds into substrate. Keep moist. Transplant at 2-leaf stage. Protect seedlings from frost for first 2 years. Tree produces deep taproot so transplant while still small.
Sources: PlantZAfrica, Tropical Plants Database, ECHOcommunity, World Agroforestry Centre, Research papers (Mtambalika et al. 2014), PROTA database
