Dioclea sclerocarpa
Dioclea sclerocarpa
Safety & Hazards
The seed contains anti-nutritional substances. In particular, a non-haemagglutinating pH 7 soluble factor that could not be removed by exhaustive dialysis. The apparently poor protein digestibility observed when eating this seed may be due to increased secretion of endogenous nitrogen[1].
Cultivation Details
Not known
Propagation
The seed has a very tough seedcoat and a firm flesh. Many species in the genus grow near rivers or the sea and their seeds can be carried for many months over long distances in the water, whilst retaining viability. It is believed that the seed of some species can retain viability for over 100 years in the soil so long as the seedcoat is not damaged. In order to get the seeds to germinate within one's own lifetime, it is generally necessary to damage the seedcoat without damaging the flesh inside. This can be done quite easily by either cutting a notch into the seedcoat, or abrading it with sandpaper. Once this is done, soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and it should germinate quite quickly[PFAF]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dioclea+sclerocarpa>
Pollinators
Data unavailable