NATIVE PLANTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 23 March 1945, Page 3

NATIVE PLANTS

GERMINATION OF THE SEED Following Mr Frank Holman’s article on the germination of the seeds of native plants which was reprinted last week from "Forest and Bird,” are details of the special conditions suited to particular plants. The first of these are as follows: — Aka (Metrosideros scandens): Sow seed on surface, after* firming the ground. Sift fine soil over the seed and rub in with a piece of board. Keep moist and shaded until the seedlings appear. Seeds ripe March to April. Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa): It can be sown successfully in the open ground, but should be kept well protected from bright sunshine. Seeds ripe January. Akepiro (Olearia furfuracea): Sow broadcast in open ground with oneeighth inch cover. Hangehange (Geniostoma ligustriflorium): Very easily grown in open ground: requires no special treatment. Best results are obtained in a seed box sowing .1 in deep. Seeds ripe January to March.

Hinau (Elaeocarpus dentatus). Treat in the same manner as Maire. Firm ground is important. Seeds ripe February to March. Houhere (Hoheria populnea): Same treatment as for Putaputaweta. Seeds ripe April to May. Kaikawaka (Libocedrus bidwillii): It is easily grown from seed in either seed boxes or open ground, but soil should not be too wet. It responds to slight shade in summer, but shade is not required in winter. Seeds ripe February.

Kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa ): Sow one-third of an inch deep in a box of fairly firm soil. Excessive moisture will cause the seed to rot. If a clay bank is available seed may be scattered over it to germinate under natural conditions. Seeds ripe in March. Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigata): Sow in the garden just below the surface. It is very hardy and can be just scattered on the ground and tramped in. Seeds ripe in January to February. Karamu (Coprosma robusta): Treat in the same manner as Taupata. Coprosmas can be grown easily from cuttings, but when so propagated in North Auckland they often die or receive a severe check at the end of the second year. Propagation from seed is the surest method and presents no difficulty. Seeds ripe January to February. Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium): This is a very useful hedge plant for the seaside. It holds its seeds for six months, and may be sown in the open ground in either firm or loose soil. Seeds ripe July to August. Kauri (Agathis australis): The cones should be gathered when green, with a slight bronze tint. They are then laid cut before a sunny window until they open and fall to pieces. As soon as it is shed, the seed should be broadcast im deep in seed boxes. It is advisable to cover this box with a piece of glass. Seeds ripe January to March. Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum): Crush ripe seed in sand or leaf mould and sow one-eighth inch in boxes. Make soil firm before sowing, then sift fine soil over the seed and shade until plants are well above ground. This plant is commonly called New Zealand pepper tree. Unfortunately the leaves are badly attacked by insects. Seeds ripe January to February. Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile): This is unique in that the flowers are found right down the sides of the trunk. Seeds ripe May to June.