Celtis boninensis

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[2]. Stored seed is best given 2 - 3 months cold stratification and then sown February/March in a greenhouse^[3][2]. Germination rates are usually good, though the stored seed might take 12 months or more to germinate. The seed can be stored for up to 5 years^[4]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The leaves of seedlings often have a lot of white patches without chlorophyll, this is normal and older plants produce normal green leaves. Grow the seedlings on in a cold frame for their first winter, and plant them out in the following late spring or early summer[K]. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil, preferring a good fertile well-drained loamy soil^[5][6][2]. Succeeds on dry gravels and on sandy soils^[2]. Established plants are very drought resistant^[7][2]. Trees prefer hotter summers and more sunlight than are normally experienced in Britain, they often do not fully ripen their wood when growing in this country and they are then very subject to die-back in winter^[5][6][2]. Trees can be very long-lived, perhaps to 1000 years^[2].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[2].