Clivia miniata (Kaffir Lily)

Ooh....what a lot you got !!...is their one seed inside or lots?

Hi Alice. Thought that the tags on this pic would explain that these are not my own, but now I see that the tags only become visible if you scroll down a bit. Sorry for mis-leading you. These are in a glasshouse in a local park. I'd have been interested to open up a berry to see, but, well, I couldn't very well do so. If these are still there next time I visit, will try to find a member of staff and ask permission. :-)

Oh...I didn't realise...silly me!!.....That would be good if you could find out.....that member of staff might even let you have one.....depends on how nicely you ask her......

~ I have opened one which grew on my plant and turned red ~ it is a single white seed like an onion about 1cm~ at the moment it is in a cup of water with a little white shoot~ will be potting up tomorrow and hoping it will continue to grow!

Arlene - Many Thanks for this info. I would have expected a few, smaller seeds. Good Luck with yours! Will be heading in the direction of this park tomorrow, but wouldn't have time to drop in to the glasshouse. Am excited, though, as am going on a guided snowdrop tour, part of the Snowdrop Festival here, which you told us about in your recent blog. :-))

The number of seeds inside a berry depend on pollination rate per flower and nutrition of the plant. Genetics also plays a role. In some cases the berry can contain up to 15 seeds but the average is about 8 seeds per berry. When you do open up the berry be sure to clear the thin layer around the berry before germinating - the thin layer has a natural anti germination chemical which retards or delays germination. looking at the photo it looks like the berry in the middle could have more than 5 seeds as does the one to the right of it.

Many Thanks for this fascinating info, Cg!!! Since this pic was taken, I received one berry containing 3 seeds. posted a question here on GOY on how to go forward with them, but got no help with this. I knew not to dry the seeds off, and only partly submerged them in the compost. Two germinated (after 5-6 months, rather than the 3 I expected), but was well-pleased with my success. Did not know about the anti-germination chemical. Why would a plant want this, anyway? I now see what you mean with regard to the berries you indicate. Thank You very much, again! :-))