Hi.
I had recently ordered some Borassus aethiopum seeds (from a vendor I had purchased seeds of other palms before and I found very reliable). Problem is, 2 out of 3 came in already sprouted. The largest seed, which is the one I have planted (directly in the ground), had NOT sprouted and I am hoping it is viable and it just was a bit slower. These two, though, I am not sure what to do and if they are salvageable or not. One seems to have a root damaged and soft/mushy halfway through (the one on the bottom), the other one has a stronger root and it clearly less damaged, but the tip is indeed somewhat damaged and it seems it is shaped like a "hook".
Does it look like I should attempt to salvage these? I have pots deep enough for these to grow (they are 4 feet deep). I could absolutely use a backup if one in the ground does not sprout, but I don't want to attempt to grow a plant that will get stunted and die (especially in the case of the one with the healthier root, which is healthier but not going straight). Any advice?

I don't think either of the sprouted ones will make it. Pot them up, sure, but don't expect anything to happen. If you don't see any sign of a leaf after a month, root has probably rotted.🤷‍♂️

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

@aztropic Thanks. I think I'll try only the top one. The 2nd one seems unlikely. Bummer. Then again, I only have space for one. The ones in pot would be just backups in case the one in ground does not sprout.
I didn't realize how big Borassus seeds are. I knew the fruit was huge but the seeds are no joke.

i agree with aztropic. the roots look like they rotted in transit. you can try to salvage them whatever way you can though. i'd try soaking them in peroxide after cutting the rotten ends off. but even the top one looks pretty bad and it has spots of possible rot even near where it started sprouting. chances are the rot already spread all the way down.

11 hours ago, aztropic said:

I don't think either of the sprouted ones will make it. Pot them up, sure, but don't expect anything to happen. If you don't see any sign of a leaf after a month, root has probably rotted.🤷‍♂️

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

Just one question: does the radicle grow deeper from apical point or from the cotyledonary petiole?

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

Just one question: does the radicle grow deeper from apical point or from the cotyledonary petiole?

1 hour ago, Phoenikakias said:

Just one question: does the radicle grow deeper from apical point or from the cotyledonary petiole?

Apical. Once the root tip is damaged or snapped off, you're done.🤷‍♂️

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona