In years past, I have typically planted Cephalotus seed in regular composts (http://www.terraforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121937&highlight=cephalotus+seed) and/or only briefly germinated them aseptically (in TC media). This time around, I have the opportunity of doing a bit of experimentation; not only are the seeds to be germinated in different tissue culture media; but half will also be cold stratified in the refrigerator through October -- next to the Guinness, Sriracha, homemade beer, Trichoderma, and a half-empty bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s (“The Sauce is the Boss”).
Below are shots of the hairy follicles, in which only a single seed -- embryo -- is carried, along with the dried remains of several flowers themselves -- as well as the seed in media. In the past, I have also gone to the extreme trouble of extracting them from the follicle covering; but I now leave that to those with far more patience than I possess and potent biocides . . .
Cephalotus follicularis -- 23 August
Below are shots of the hairy follicles, in which only a single seed -- embryo -- is carried, along with the dried remains of several flowers themselves -- as well as the seed in media. In the past, I have also gone to the extreme trouble of extracting them from the follicle covering; but I now leave that to those with far more patience than I possess and potent biocides . . .
Cephalotus follicularis -- 23 August