Promoting germination in dormant seeds of Pritchardia remota (Kuntze) Beck., an endangered palm endemic to Hawaii

Pritchardia remota is an endangered palm endemic to the northwest Hawaiian Island of Nihoa. Current management actions include the development of suitable populations for out-planting through seed propagation. However, this action is hindered due to potential seed dormancy. We provide evidence that incorporation of fruits into the soil is necessary for germination in the wild and that seeds possess non-deep, simple, morpho-physiological dormancy. Germination is initiated five wk after sowing and can be spread over 21 wk. Seeds do not require light for germination. Rapid (22 to 34 days) and complete (98 to 100%) germination is promoted by removal of the endocarp and/or the operculum followed by incubation at high temperatures (25 to 35°C).