Native seed catalogue

Schefflera digitata Seven-finger | Patē

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

Patatē, kōtētē, patete.

Propagation summary

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

Seed propagation category

Easy.

Geographical distribution

Found in lowland to lower montane forests (forests on the slopes of mountains) within open sites along streams, cliffs, and forest margins.(1)

Seed collection

Seeds mature between April–June.(2) Seeds can be dispersed by birds.(1)

Seed storage

Seeds do not store well.(2)

Seed dormancy

41 days to first germination with the main flush of germination finished between 65–99 days.(1) Germination occurs within 2 months.(2)

Pre-sowing treatments

Seeds need de-pulping (removal of seed from fruit) as in-fruit seeds had low germination (60%).(1) Cool-moist stratification for 1–2 months.(2) Stratification is the process of chilling seeds to promote germination.

Seed viability

80–82% of seeds are viable.(1)

Germination

Germination rate of 98–100%.(1)

Research opportunities

Germination, seed storage, and vegetative propagation need 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 Schefflera digitata, 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.

References

1.

Burrows, C J (1995) Germination behaviour of seeds of the New Zealand species: Aristotelis serrata, Coprosma robusta, Cordyline australis, Myrtus obcordata, and Schefflera digitata. New Zealand Journal of Botany 33, 257–264. 

2.

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

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