lehmannii seeds:

lehmannii seeds are deep red in color and come from a cycad species native to South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape region. The seeds are contained within female cones, which are barrel-shaped and about 450-500 mm long and 250 mm in diameter. These cones have a slightly darker color than the male cones and are covered with fine brownish hair

Seed  Characteristic and germination :

• The seeds are fleshy, about 4.5-7.5 cm long including the aril, and roughly 2 cm in diameter

• Germination can occur even with minimal moisture, such as occasional light mists, and seeds are capable of germinating after being exposed to natural conditions

• Seed germination is slow and can take several months, requiring patience

• Seeds are poisonous, so caution is advised when handling them (Lehmannii Seeds)

Cultivation and propagation:

• Seeds should be collected from fully ripe female cones, cleaned thoroughly to remove pulp, and sometimes treated with fungicide to prevent fungal diseases during germination

• Planting depth should be about twice the diameter of the seed in a well-draining, nutrient-rich substrate suitable for cycads or succulents

• Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged during germination to avoid root rot

• Optimal germination temperature is between 20°C and 30°C, and seeds should be kept in a bright but not direct sunlight location

• The plant grows slowly and prefers a sunny, warm environment with moderate watering, especially in summer

• Encephalartos lehmannii is drought-resistant and can tolerate light frost down to about -5 to -7 °C for short periods (Lehmannii Seeds)

Additional Notes :

• The species is protected under CITES regulations, and legal acquisition requires proper documentation

• Besides seed propagation, the plant can also be propagated by removing and planting suckers from the stipe

In summary, Encephalartos lehmannii seeds are distinctive deep red, slow to germinate, and require specific care conditions including warmth, moderate moisture, and well-draining soil. The species is prized for its ornamental value and drought tolerance but is protected and slow growing. Handling seeds requires caution due to their toxicity. (Lehmannii Seeds)