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This Gigasiphon is one of the rarest species in our collection. In 2013 only 33 known mature individuals were spread across Kenia and Tanzania and is currently still listed as endangered with around 219 identified mature individuals and the highly fractured population. This number is however, declining due to habitat loss. The main threat to this species is agriculture and mining. It was even feared extinct until it was rediscovered in 1990. There are only 12 known collections in botanical gardens around the world.Growing in the moist coastal forests it produces beautiful white and yellow flowers that can span 20 cm in diameter! Relatively young trees already have the ability to flower, making it a very sought after tree for its ornamental value. The medium sized tree can reach a height of around 15-20 meters and loses its large leaves in the dry season. Limit watering when the tree sheds its leaves to prevent root rot. Indoors it can grow as a moderate houseplant. Regular pruning can keep it at a manageable size and flowering might even be possible. Ensure the plant has a well-drained sandy soil and stays above 10 degrees Celsius.
Sowing description: Carefully notch the seed (without damaging the endosperm), or sand them with sanding paper. Soak the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water and sow them in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist and let the seeds germinate at 25-30 degC.
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Het zaad kiemt gemakkelijk. De zaadhuid is vrij dik en de sterke zwelling die het zaad vertoont blijkt het gevolg te zijn van een rode sponsachtige laag in de zaadhuid. De jonge koperrode bladeren zien er heel dun en delicaat uit. Maar zelfs tijdens dit droge hete weer toont de orchideeën-boom zich een robuuste kamerplant.
Ik heb het zaad behandeld zoals staat beschreven, alleen heb ik deze gezaaid in orchideeëngrond gecombineerd met perliet in een doorzichtige opbergbak. Toen het ontkiemde merkte ik op dat dit een best rappe groeier is. Nu een paar maanden oud, geeft de plant ontzettend mooie kleur en vorm bladeren die inmiddels mijn hand kunnen vullen. Echt een aanrader!
Out of 5 seeds got 2 to germinate. Seeds need to be scarified then soaked overnight.
I used sandpaper then soaked in hydrogen peroxide solution. If seed swells then very likely to germinate. I used seed compost on a heated propagator. If seed is good usually you will see germination in a week. Takes a while for plant to stand upright after stalk has gone above ground.