Millettia grandis, known as Umzimbeet or African Redwood, is a semi-deciduous tree native to coastal forests of southern Africa. Fresh seeds treated with hot water show very good germination rates.
Before sowing
Scarification
quimica Hot water soaking; seeds soaked in hot water overnight or 6-8 hours, mechanical abrasion optional
Soak
24 h Hot water soak overnight or 6-8 hours, use fresh seeds
Fresh seed essential for successful germination; pre-soaking in hot water improves germination rates
Sowing
Substrate
well-draining mix: river sand and compost (2:1) or peat moss and sand
Depth
1cm
Temperature
25°C
Moisture
media
Container
seed tray or pots
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 1cm · 25°C
Day 14–120
Seedlings emerge
Tips
Use only fresh seed; soaking in hot water is critical; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; place in warm, well-lit location such as greenhouse or sunny windowsill; transplant at two-leaf stage; young trees are fast-growing and transplant easily
Sources: PlantZAfrica, Tropical Plants Database, PROTA database, rare palm seeds, CJM Tree Growers
