20 Jun Newtonia griffoniana
Scientific name: Newtonia griffoniana Baill. Baker f.
Family: Leguminosae.
Distribution/conservation status: occurs in evergreen forest. Not assessed by the IUCN Red List.
Common names: not recorded.
Fruits/seeds: reddish-brown, flattened, linear pod containing 2 – 4 flat, narrowly oblong seeds, with a papery wing surrounding the entire margin.
Fruiting time: December – February.
Seed collection: ripe fruit splits open to release seeds which are dispersed by wind but often fall under and around the parent tree.
Type of seed: recalcitrant.
Sowing method: sow flat at a depth of 2cm in pots or trays.
Sowing medium: 80% cured sawdust, 20% forest topsoil.
Germination period: 10 – 14 days.
Germination percentage: 75 – 80%.
Growth/development: young seedlings require full sun; they can be planted out when 1.5 ft tall which is 1 – 2 months after germination. Notes: take care not to tread on seeds when collecting as they are fragile and easily damaged.
Newtonia griffoniana. credits: O.Olubodun