Description
Adenanthera pavonina, commonly known as Red Sandalwood, Coral Wood, or Bead Tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to tropical Asia. It typically reaches 10 to 20 meters in height, with a spreading canopy and smooth gray bark that becomes scaly with age.
The tree bears feathery, bipinnate leaves and produces clusters of small, yellowish fragrant flowers. These are followed by distinctive curved, dark brown pods that twist open when mature to reveal brilliant red, glossy seeds, often used as beads or ornaments due to their vibrant color and uniform size.
Adenanthera pavonina grows best in warm, humid climates with well-drained soils and full sunlight. It is commonly planted as a shade or ornamental tree in gardens and parks, appreciated for its graceful foliage and striking seeds.
Germination Guide
🌍 Tropical Asia, India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Indonesia, Malaysia, northern Australia, Solomon Islands
Moderate
Adenanthera pavonina is a leguminous tropical tree with bright red seeds. Seeds have extremely hard, impermeable coats (physical dormancy) that require pre-treatment to break. With proper scarification, germination is rapid and nearly complete.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
1 – 10 days
Temperature
Min 15°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 35°C
🌡️ Temperature alternation recommended
— Temperature alternation improves germination. Hot-water-treated seeds germinate well at 15/20°C, 20/25°C, 25/30°C with 84-90% rates. Summer-autumn temperature regimes promote dormancy break in natural conditions.
Light
🌑 Darkness required
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
-
💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours after hot water treatment. Seeds have impermeable coats requiring water uptake for dormancy break.
-
🔨
Hot water scarification
Hot water treatment breaks physical dormancy of impermeable seed coat. Immerse in boiling water for 45-60 seconds or soak in warm water for 12-24 hours. Without scarification, germination may take 12 months or more.
-
📋
Additional notes
Hot water treatment essential. Seeds treated with hot water show 80-100% germination rates. Temperature fluctuations (summer-autumn cycling) may enhance dormancy break in field conditions.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Peat moss and perlite mix, well-draining potting soil, moist filter paper
Recommended container
Containers, nursery beds, Petri dishes
Growing Tips
Treated seeds can achieve 100% germination in 1-4 days, though 10 days is more typical. Seeds kept in dark conditions. Soil must be kept constantly moist. Plant prefers tropical climates with full sun. Seedlings grow quickly after 1st year. Seeds viable for several years if stored sealed at room temperature.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.