Native seed catalogue

Rhopalostylis sapida Nikau | Nīkau

This guide is based on a literature review. It compiles information from various sources. Different sources may offer varying advice and findings.

Other known names

Kaihuia, munga, miko.

Propagation summary

Good germination and seed viability. Uncertainty found with sowing to germination time frame.

Seed propagation category

Easy.

Geographical distribution

Found throughout the North Island. Located in the South Island between Marlborough Sounds down to Ōkārito, and across to Banks Peninsula.(1)

Seed collection

Fruit can take a year to ripen.(2) Seeds can be dispersed by birds.(3)

Seed storage

Seeds store well.(2)

Seed dormancy

303 days to first germination (germination starts in early December).(3)

Pre-sowing treatments

Needs de-pulping (removal of seed from fruit) as in-fruit seeds had low germination (2%).(3) Clear the flesh by soaking in water for a few days, then lightly scrub.(1)

Seed viability

80% of seeds are viable.(3)

Germination

Easily grown from seeds.(1) Germination rate of 95%.(3)

Propagation techniques

Grow under a half-shaded area until seed begins to germinate.(1) Low germination in soil (28%).(3) Germinates under warm conditions.(2)

Nursery practices

Seedling growth found to be slow.(3)

Research opportunities

Germination, seed storage, and vegetative propagation needs further investigation.

Information about the native seed profiles

All species names are in the following order: scientific name, common name, and Māori name. Names may vary by region. We have tried to use the most common names across New Zealand.

We have sourced photos from different websites and creators. We have used the images under different licences. These include Public Domain and Creative Commons licenses. For Rhopalostylis sapida, the image details are:

The basis for each seed profile is a literature review carried out by Scion. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service commissioned and worked on the review to produce a native seed catalogue. The full seed catalogue is on the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

Native afforestation research programme: Seed propagation catalogue

References

1.

New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Rhopalostylis sapida. Accessed 17 October 2024.

2.

Metcalf, L J (1995) The propagation of New Zealand native plants. Godwit; Auckland, New Zealand.

3.

Burrows, C J (1995) Germination behaviour of the seeds of six New Zealand woody plant species. New Zealand Journal of Botany 33, 365–377.

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