Mallotus philippensis is an evergreen tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, known for its bright orange-red fruit covering used as dye. Fresh seeds are advised for optimal germination. Despite variable success rates, germination can be enhanced significantly through soaking and gibberellic acid treatment.
Before sowing
Soaking in water for 12 hours followed by GA3 (gibberellic acid) treatment at 50 ppm for 60 minutes significantly improved germination rates to 75%
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds at the beginning of the rainy season. Keep substrate moist. Germination rate is often poor without treatment due to drought and insect attack; sow close (5cm apart) and thin later. Seeds are subglobose and black (4mm across). Dried seeds can be stored in gunny bags or tins in dry place for up to 6 months without losing viability.
Sources: Lucid Central (Australian National Botanic Gardens), Plant World Seeds, Useful Tropical Plants Database, PROSEA, World Agroforestry Database, Wikipedia, Navsari Agricultural University (2025 research)
