Common name:
Black pearl tree / Velvet seed tree

Origin:
Zanzibar

Minimum temperature:
10 degrees Celcius

Description:
The seeds of this species are literally pearls: black and velvety soft. It is no wonder that in Africa the seeds are often used in jewelry. They are also used in the Antillian kitchen. It is a small tree or large shrub that grows up to 5 meters in height, and has beautiful shiny leaves, and makes clusters of red/green flowers. The fruit has three lobes and is bright red on the inside. When ripening, the fruits bursts open, in order to present the inside with the beautiful seeds. The plant can be kept either as a container- or indoor plant at a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celcius. The plant prefers a sunny stand.

Germination instructions:
Soak the seeds for 48 hours in lukewarm water, after which they can be sown in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist, cover the soil with plastic foil or glass, and let the seeds germinate in a warm spot in the house.

Sowing time:
Whole year

Difficulty:
Intermediate

Photo 1: Eyeweed via Flickr
Photo 2: Jardin Boricua via Flickr
Photo 3: Shubhada Nikharge via Flickr