Shoot Logo
Take a photoPlans & pricingBook a demoGet started

Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

Comment from Shoot User
6495 1
No, nothing that smokes. Just a 'Buddha Palm', possibly called ..Cerbera odollam.. from the Apocynaceae family, apparently. Big nut type seed like a small coconut. Told to float in water until it sprouts. Any further info would be good. Thanks. Also its the best place for Palma Cycas, Alliums and Callas. Brilliant weekend!.
https://d30qmn300ic0sk.cloudfront.net/assets/users/user_52790/forum_13308_229_20121218092616.jpg
Posted: Tuesday 18th of December 2012 09:26 AM

  • Re: Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

    Kathy N
    Hi, Neil,
    This is Cycas revoluta. Not necessary to float until it sprouts. Remove the coconut-like husk surrounding the red seed. Soak it for about 5 days. Remove the red skin but leave the seed coat. Best to sow at 15-29C in spring but you can certainly sow now - just keep it warm. Sow the seed horizontally, not vertically. It will take a while to germinate, sometimes months. Ancient plant, keep it on the dry side. When it is older, it will develop a trunk-like stem and produce 'pups' (suckers) at the base. Pups can be removed and potted up to increase your collection. There are female and male plants. The male forms a long, inflorescence (quite phallic-looking) and the female a domed inflorescence - I have a female in my front garden (I currently live in Southern California) and my neighbour has a male - they get quite happy each spring/summer!
    All the best,
    Kathy C
    Replied: Tuesday 18th of December 2012 05:25 PM

    • Re: Re: Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

      Shoot User
      Thanks Kathy , maybe I'm being thick here, but when I tried to remove the husk the whole thing split in half! I may have to go back to A'dam and get another..

      Just realised its the wrong picture. Good grief. I did get one of these and potted it up. Now on the windowsill. The Buddah husk is a different shell. Sorry..
      found this... http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/cerbera_odollam.htm
      Replied: Wednesday 19th of December 2012 08:22 AM

      • Re: Re: Re: Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

        Kathy N
        I'm sorry!
        I wonder if it is worth trying to pot up the little kernel inside? Just be careful - it is highly toxic.
        Regardless, you shouldn't have to float the Cerbera seed - sow it 1/3 deep in compost.
        All the best,
        Kathy C
        Replied: Wednesday 19th of December 2012 06:16 PM

        • Re: Re: Re: Re: Just back from Amsterdam, picked this up........

          Shoot User
          My fault completely, that weekend in Amsterdam must have had more of an affect than I thought ;-)
          https://d30qmn300ic0sk.cloudfront.net/assets/users/user_52790/forum_13314_409_20121219184231.jpg
          Replied: Wednesday 19th of December 2012 06:42 PM
TOP