Just in case - have you checked out all the "germinating" and "growing from seed" discussions over on the Trees Forum here? Also check out these links: Univ. of Nebraska Ext: How to Grow Conifers from Seed Mother Earth News: How to grow conifers from seed Growing Conifer Trees from Seed Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Trees Forum

Jan, I've been involved in conversations and the goal is to in some way, find all original names, re-writing the ACS conifer Database over and over and over again.. If you follow what I'm saying, until all original names are restored and locked in! It's a very important approach that personally I'm taking very seriously. The more books I can get my hands on, the better as you know. Unfortunately as you know, money or marketing has ruined a system of honor. It's a very difficult matter to find the real answers to, as I'm sure you plainly understand. From the get-go, shortcomings were unseen and in the beginnings of the creation of this ACS Database was established with strictiveness under the publication of The World Checklist of Conifers which while 'something' was needed to begin this quest to have an internet-based definitive resource, the book has been proven to hold errors. No hard feelings do I intend to send to the author, Alan Farjon, just fact. He's an icon. And of course now, records need to be re-worked and that's where I need everybody's help!!! It's going to take a lot of work to polish it so to speak, but with time and with help from you Jan, and others around the world, the knowledge will be found and since we're on a christian attitude, it will be resurrected. I know because I am that man, that I've dedicated personally my own promises to make it a better definitive source. There's a handful of guys and gals like me who are doing the same. Well, enough said. We all know it's an evolving problem still today. Thanks actually for your input and thanks always to Resin as well. Thanks everybody actually. I found a real appreciation for Jean Iseli when I read his article. I believe the man to be both intelligent and kind, and soft spoken. Take care and keep up the labeling. Highest Regards, Dax

M. alba I believe is normally propagated by grafting (onto M. champaca I think). Don't know whether this is due to the difficulty of propagating from seed or growing from cuttings, or whether the alba doesn't come true from seed. Possibly all of the above. M. champaca is grown on its own rootstock and is not too difficult to grow from seed, provided the seed is fresh enough and the temperature is warm enough. I tried numerous times to grow it from ebay-bought seed but had always sowed them in spring or early summer, when nights can still occasionally be fresh. (I don't have a heat mat.) It was only when I sowed seed in mid-summer, when night temperatures hover around 20-20 deg C (about 70 deg F) that they germinated. So they need 24-hour warmth (ie no cool nights), and humidity (I misted them with water and covered with plastic) to germinate. I believe that the champaca DOES come true from seed. Unless, perhaps, there are other species of michelia in the vicinity with which it has hybridised ...

It's quite easy. Boil water, pour water in a mug or cup, and place seeds in very hot water, and allow seeds to soak overnight. Seeds will germinated close to 100% within a week when sown in potting mix. This method works with almost any pea family member including Cercis, Baptisia, Thermopsis, Indigofera, etc.