Male and Female Encephalartos cones

[Pedro 65]

The very large female cone of Encephalartos Natalensis is finally starting to open so daily now we will put cones of a male Encephalartos Whitelockii on top then put some male E Arenarius also ontop so the pollen filters deep down inside. After 10 days we will also have saved pollen of both males and mix them with flat soda water and squirt into the massive Natalensis cone..(720mm)

[Suckafish]

Why soda water?

[Trava]

For gemišt

[Pedro 65]

Why soda water?

Chris, when you pour the pollen into Flat soda water the soda water goes all nice and cloudy and the pollen then is available in much larger volumes...Also, when the female is opening and ready for pollination ,the soda water bottle full of pollen is poured down in causing much more seed to be pollinated..Pollen in straight water doesnt mix very well..

This photographed Natalensis will have interesting viable seed set from Whitelockiii and Arenarius..all good fun...Tha Late Great Rich Trapnell from "Rosebudfarm" (Kuranda FNQ ) taught me this fantastic technique ..Rich, was a very very helpful man that grew the "healthiest 'palms and cycads and was always happy to share his knowledge..Pete

[Suckafish]

Interesting. Thanks!