Flacourtia indica is a multipurpose tree native to tropical regions of Africa and India. Seeds germinate readily but require specific conditions including alternating temperatures and well-draining soil kept moist. Poor seed lot quality rather than dormancy presents main propagation challenges.
Before sowing
Scarification
mecanica Seed coat treatment may help; seeds with non-deep physiological dormancy benefit from chipping
Soak
Imbibition curves suggest lack of physical dormancy
GA3 application results in high final germination regardless of temperature or photoperiod
Sowing
Substrate
well-draining sandy compost, sandy clay soils
Depth
levemente_coberta
Temperature
20°C
Moisture
media
Container
seed beds in shade, well-draining containers
Day/night swing
Daily temperature fluctuations are necessary and critical for germination; high germination rates (>70%) achieved at alternating temperatures
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at levemente_coberta · 20°C
Day 28–80
Seedlings emerge (~70%)
Tips
Germination occurs near soil surface; light not required but alternating temperatures essential; GA3 treatment can improve results; seeds disperse naturally by birds
Sources: ScienceDirect (2019), Plant World Seeds, Top Tropicals, Agroforestree Database, Useful Tropical Plants Database
