Germinating Seeds of Native Plants

Forest and Bird, Issue 76, 1 May 1945, Page 8

Germinating Seeds of Native Plants

By FRANK S. HOLMAN, Whangarei

The following is in continuation of the paper contributed by Mr. Holman, which was commenced in the February, 1945, issue of “Forest and Bird” and is now completed.—

PUKANUI (Meryta Sinclairii): It is not found growing naturally on the mainland, but is found on Poor Knights, Three Kings, and Hen and Chickens Islands. It is, however, a common garden plant and no difficulty will be experienced in collecting seed, which can be sown jin. deep in firm soil. Seeds ripe October.

PURIRI (Vitex lucens): Tramp down the seed bed very firmly, then broadcast the berries on top of it. Put a board over the berries and stand on this until they are pressed into the ground. Remove the board and cover the seed bed with an inch of soil, pressing this down firmly, but not quite so hard as the original seed bed. If the ground is at all loose, the seeds may remain dormant for twelve months. Seeds ripe January. PUTAPUTAWETA (Carpodetus serratus): Sow in boxes or open ground Jin. deep. Shade until the second leaf appears. Seeds ripe December to February. RAMARAMA (Myrtus bullata): Sow in moderately firm ground gin. to fin. deep, preferably in seed boxes. Excessively wet conditions must be avoided. No shade is needed. Seeds ripe March to April. RATA (White) (Metrosideros albiflora) is a climber with large white flowers. Sow in the same way as the Aka. Seeds ripe March to April. RIMU (Dacrydium cupressinum): Germination is poor, especially in open ground. Prepare boxes of very firm soil, and cover with gin. of soil less firmly packed. Keep well shaded and water from below. Seeds ripe March to April. RENGARENGA (Arthropodium candidum). or Cliff Lily. This will grow in open ground and succeeds readily if sown on the surface. It is advisable, however, to sow fin. deep, making the bed thoroughly firm. If sowing in a seed box, soak the soil beforehand and keep seed box covered. Do not give any more water until the seedlings appear, otherwise they will “drop off.” Water from below.

TAINUI (Pomaderris apetala): It is probably the fastest growing native tree and can be trimmed readily, to give low shelter. It is considered to be one of the best shelters for native plantations. N The seed will remain fertile up to 6 months after ripening, and can be sown in the permanent position. Seeds ripe December to January.

TARAIRE (Beilschmiedia taraire): It is easy to propagate either in boxes or in open ground. The large dark purple berries should be sown one inch deep. Seeds ripe September to October.

TARATA (Pittospomm eugenioides): When seed is dead ripe and the fruits open, the pods will turn black. It is advisable to wait for this, as in some seasons the tree has a crop of green fruits which do not ripen until the following year. It may be sown in open ground, and also does exceptionally well in boxes. Unlike most pittosporums seedlings appear in 3-4 weeks. Seeds ripe January to February. TAUPATA (Coprosma retusa): This is one of the hardiest native plants for seaside situations. When ripe the fruits are quite yellow to red. Seed should be sown Jin. deep. Seeds ripe February. TAWARI (Ixerba brexioides): Flowers are large, bell shaped and white, not unlike those of Hinau. The leaf is often confused with those of Hinau and Rewarewa. The tree even in professional hands or in the bush is difficult to grow beyond a , height of 18in., its propagation thus suggesting experimental work. Seeds ripe in April. TAWAPOU (Sideroxylon novo-zelandi-cum): Sow just below the surface of the soil in boxes. It is better to water from below, in order to avoid damping off. , Make soil firm and keep moist until seedlings appear. Seeds ripe in May to August.

TITOKI (Alectryon excelsum): This is fairly easily grown from seeds, but propagation from cuttings is uncertain- Seed boxes are preferable, as seedlings are inclined to root deeply in open ground. Sow -J-in. deep. Seeds ripe in September to November. TOATOA, or Giant Tanekaha (Phyllocladus glaucus): This plant is rare and has the appearance of a strongly developed Tanekaha.

Sow seed Ygin. deep in boxes, making the soil very firm. Seeds ripe February to March.

TOTARA (Podocarpus totara): Tptara does not thrive in a sand mixture, so use a minimum quantity of sand, just enough to keep the soil friable and provide light drainage. Make seed bed fairly compact. Sow seed quarter of an inch deep in rows in plot or broadcast in seedbox. Seeds ripe March to April-

TUREPO, or Milk Tree (Paratrophis microphylla): This fruit resembles red currants. Sow jin. deep, preferably in boxes. Make the soil very firm.

WHAUWHAUPAKU (Nothopanax arboreum), commonly called Five-finger. Sow in open ground and make the soil fairly but not too firm. Seeds ripe all the year round.