Decalepis hamiltonii is an endemic endangered medicinal climber from Southern Peninsular India, commonly called Swallow Root. Germination is intricate due to poor seed viability and limited seed production.
Before sowing
Soak
48 h Hot water soaking (60°C for 24 hours) improves germination from 83% to 98% on moist filter paper. Warm water soaking (30°C for 24-48 hours) recommended.
Hot water (60°C) for 24 hours significantly improves germination rates
Sowing
Substrate
Cocopeat, sand, and compost mix (light, well-draining)
Depth
levemente_coberta
Temperature
27°C
Moisture
alta
Container
Nursery beds or polythene bags
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at levemente_coberta · 27°C
Day 14–21
Seedlings emerge (~98%)
Tips
Use fresh seeds collected February-March for higher viability. Direct field sowing gives poor results; seedlings should be raised in nursery before transplanting. Maintain 25-30°C with moderate humidity.
Sources: Tandfonline.com, OpenSciencePublications, TreeFromSeed.com, Wikipedia, ResearchGate
