How to germinate Dichrostachys cinerea

Dichrostachys cinerea is a legume tree/shrub native to Africa and parts of Asia (Fabaceae family). Seeds possess physical dormancy due to thick, impermeable seed coat requiring pre-treatment for successful germination.

Before sowing

Scarification

quimica Concentrated sulphuric acid (H2SO4) for 25 minutes on freshly collected seeds gives optimum germination of 3-7 days; 15 minutes for 3-year-old seeds. Mechanical scarification also effective (53% germination). Hot water immersion (100°C) for 10-40 seconds effective (94% germination).

Soak

24 h Soak scarified seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften seed coat; or hot water immersion at 100°C. Also reported as soaking in hot water then allowing to cool and soak for 24 hours.

Seed coat is impermeable to water and causes dormancy. Freshly collected ripe seeds take 15-20 days to germinate without pre-treatment; scarification dramatically improves germination to 3-7 days. Without pre-treatment, untreated seeds show only 19% germination.

Sowing

Substrate

Well-draining potting mix; mixture of washed river sand and compost (5:1 ratio)

Depth

1cm

Temperature

30°C

Moisture

media

Container

Well-draining containers

What to expect

Step 1

Pre-treat the seed

Step 2

Sow at 1cm · 30°C

Day 3–20

Seedlings emerge (~75%)

Tips

Germination is higher in light than in dark. More than 75% germination may be expected under controlled conditions after proper pre-treatment. Seeds can be stored for up to 10 years at room temperature if kept dry and free from insects. Untreated seeds can remain dormant in soil for extended periods.

Sources: Tropical Plants Database (tropical.theferns.info); PFAF Plant Database (pfaf.org); PlantZAfrica (pza.sanbi.org); Eureka Mag; Scientific research on Dichrostachys cinerea seed structure and germination

Fresh seeds to sow

Dichrostachys cinerea

Before sowing

Sowing

What to expect

Tips

You might also like