Propagating Wilga |
8 July 2008 4:43 PM
I recently received the following question about propagating Wilga (Geijera parviflora)....."I am after a bit of information concerning the propagation of Geijera parviflora. Can you tell me whether the seed needs to be scarified or can it be planted directly into the media? I understand that Geijera is reasonably hard to propagate and any information you can relay to me will be much appreciated as I am having trouble finding answers for this."
* * * * * *
 |
Unfortunately, Wilga is indeed difficult to propagate from both seed and cuttings. I worked though all of my references but most just indicate that germination is unreliable and that more research is needed.
One reference stated that "seed should be sown when fresh".
Having drawn a blank (more or less), I went 'Googling" and a couple of references came to light.
- On a Garden Web forum, there was reference to Murray Ralph's book 'Growing Australian Native Plants from Seed'. This indicated that for Geijera species 'the hard seed coat contains chemical inhibitors. For G.parviflora the hard seed coat should be fractured under pressure then totally removed. Soaking in warm water (20-25oC) has also been recommended as a general treatment for all of the species.'"
- The 1982-83 Annual Report for the Australian National Botanic Gardens indicated that research in the tissue culture of Geijera parviflora had begun. Of course, that was over 20 years ago. I don't know what the outcome of that research was.....
PS. Further information on Murray Ralph's book can be found here.
{ Add Comment }
'Gumnuts' Home
Articles Index
ASGAP Home
ASGAP Photo Gallery
Australian Plants online
Navigating 'Gumnuts'
Subscribe to RSS feed
Search 'Gumnuts'
Recent Entries
New Website - Blue Mountains Group
Australia's Botanic Gardens Fight Climate Change
NSW Region - New Office
Caretaking an Island in Bass Strait
Australian Plants online - November 2008 Update
Favourites: Calyrtix tetagona (follow up)
The Endeavour Journal of Sir Joseph Banks
Pittosporum undulatum: unisexual or bisexual
Favourites: Calytrix tetragona
Banksias failing to thrive