I found a Chiranthodendron pentadactylon seedpod on the ground while at a meeting of the SF Begonia Society on Wednesday. It was full of viable looking seeds. I got 51 in all. I'm playing with 5 of them here, sending 25 to a friend, and that leaves 21. So I'll send out 3 sets of 7 seeds.
This is the "Devil's Hand Tree". It's a nice looking tree, with spectacular flowers. It's not for many climates. I think zone 9b. I understand it can take some frost, and is killed at about 20 F. It becomes a BIG tree--perhaps 60 feet. My understanding is that it doesn't bloom small (maybe 15 or 20 feet?). I'll ask a friend who makes hybrids. At the other end, I'm not sure how much heat it takes. It's basically a highland tropical plant, so I would assume a climate without much summer heat is ideal. It thrives in San Francisco, and probably does fine in most of California's coastal valleys. I'm not sure about the really hot areas, and I'm pretty dubious about the Deep South.
The Tropicos database gives most occurrences as between 1500 and 3000 m. Most people here are aware of which Nepenthes grow at such elevations, and their temperature requirements....
My friend who I mentioned makes hybrids (with California's native Fremontodendron californicum) taught me a trick to getting these to germinate efficiently: cut off the very tiniest end of the seed (I use a razor blade, and do it opposite the orange structure). Then soak in water, initially hot (but not burning) to the touch, for a day, then plant. I've gotten high germination doing this. There are other methods out there, and it might be worth trying a couple.
If someone wants to offer something in trade, that's fine. I may or may not be interested. This is basically a giveaway.
This is the "Devil's Hand Tree". It's a nice looking tree, with spectacular flowers. It's not for many climates. I think zone 9b. I understand it can take some frost, and is killed at about 20 F. It becomes a BIG tree--perhaps 60 feet. My understanding is that it doesn't bloom small (maybe 15 or 20 feet?). I'll ask a friend who makes hybrids. At the other end, I'm not sure how much heat it takes. It's basically a highland tropical plant, so I would assume a climate without much summer heat is ideal. It thrives in San Francisco, and probably does fine in most of California's coastal valleys. I'm not sure about the really hot areas, and I'm pretty dubious about the Deep South.
The Tropicos database gives most occurrences as between 1500 and 3000 m. Most people here are aware of which Nepenthes grow at such elevations, and their temperature requirements....
My friend who I mentioned makes hybrids (with California's native Fremontodendron californicum) taught me a trick to getting these to germinate efficiently: cut off the very tiniest end of the seed (I use a razor blade, and do it opposite the orange structure). Then soak in water, initially hot (but not burning) to the touch, for a day, then plant. I've gotten high germination doing this. There are other methods out there, and it might be worth trying a couple.
If someone wants to offer something in trade, that's fine. I may or may not be interested. This is basically a giveaway.
