Balsa tree

island cassie · 04-19-2007, 01:02 PM

The balsa tree across the road from me is sending its seeds all over the place at the moment. If anybody would like some - pm me your address and I'll post them. The tree has interesting leaves and big white flowers, and the super-light wood beloved of modellers.

the flying dutchman · 04-24-2007, 12:00 PM

Cassie, I wished I could grow that tree overhere but after some research
I came to the conclusion it is impossible. It seems to need a lot of warmth and
humidity.
Well, so I have to forget building my own wooden airplane.

Thanks

Ron

island cassie · 04-24-2007, 12:40 PM

Yes Ron. Both England and the Netherlands have similar weather. But with global warming......who knows? Or perhaps a move to the Netherlands Antilles? But I have to tell you it has been wet and windy for the last 2 days, and the Dominicans have hats and coats on - 76f/24c and 79% humidity.

the flying dutchman · 04-24-2007, 12:51 PM

Do you think it can stand some frost cassie?

Ron

island cassie · 04-24-2007, 01:54 PM

Been trying to Google it to find out - but no real luck. Why don't I send you some seeds and see how you go?

the flying dutchman · 04-24-2007, 02:40 PM

Thanks Cassie, that is really great. PM-send.

the flying dutchman · 06-12-2007, 10:03 AM

Thanks Cassie for the seeds who arrived today, especially considering all the
trouble you had getting them out of the country. And you even paid for the
shipping costs. You are a real mate.
I will update the thread when i succeed in germinating them.

Ron

MediaHound · 06-12-2007, 10:09 AM

That was nice of you, Carol!
kudos!

island cassie · 06-12-2007, 02:10 PM

Sorry for the shots that are blurred - have to practise taking pictures up trees!! This is the tree that I got seeds from in April, and it is coming into flower again. Thanks to some tips from Ron, I might get a better germination rate this time.

the flying dutchman · 06-17-2007, 03:18 PM

It is incredible. The seeds came all the way from the dominican republic to the netherlands. And look what happened a week after arrival.
The start of my Balsa-forest. Okay, okay, I know i have a long way to go..but though.

Thanks Cassie

island cassie · 06-17-2007, 05:53 PM

Haha!! I have to hand it to you Ron - you have a golden touch. Before you know it you will be looking for a machete!!

Cassie

AnnaJW · 06-18-2007, 01:24 AM

That's great Ron! Congrats!
Nice pictures Cassie!

MediaHound · 06-18-2007, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by island cassie

Haha!! I have to hand it to you Ron - you have a golden touch. Before you know it you will be looking for a machete!!

Cassie

A machete and an exacto knife!

the flying dutchman · 06-18-2007, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MediaHound

A machete and an exacto knife!

And glue

MediaHound · 06-18-2007, 07:34 PM

bigdog · 06-18-2007, 07:47 PM

Hey Ron, did you just heat up a pot of water on the stove or something? I'm trying to think if I have a thermometer for that, but don't think I do. Maybe just set it on medium for 20 minutes?? My seeds are just screaming to me to hurry up and get started germinating them!

the flying dutchman · 06-18-2007, 08:08 PM

Frank, I boiled the water to the cooking point, then i waited about a 5 minutes and thought it would be 80 degrees celsius less or more. I turned the heat off. They should be in for 20 minutes but i had forgotten them and they were in longer.
I won't say they would not sprout without this method but it worked for me.

Ron

bigdog · 06-18-2007, 08:23 PM

Thanks, Ron. I'll give it a try tonight.

the flying dutchman · 06-18-2007, 08:27 PM

Frank, I have forgotten to say that i gave my perrieri seeds the same treatment a few days ago, it seems to be a way to break dormancy.
Not that I have much confidence in those seeds anymore, if this does not works I throw them away soon.

Ron

bigdog · 06-18-2007, 10:54 PM

I still have some E. perrieri seeds that are in the bag they came in. I've actually entertained the idea of cold-stratifying them, even though it is said that this is not recommended for most banana seeds. Works for Musella, which is more closely related to Ensete than Musa. Can't hurt to try. I wouldn't throw them out though, Ron. They can stay viable for many years.

04-19-2007, 01:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
island cassie Senior Member island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,595 BananaBucks : 6,314 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 484 Thanked 286 Times in 185 Posts Welcomes: 164	Balsa tree The balsa tree across the road from me is sending its seeds all over the place at the moment. If anybody would like some - pm me your address and I'll post them. The tree has interesting leaves and big white flowers, and the super-light wood beloved of modellers.

04-24-2007, 12:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Cassie, I wished I could grow that tree overhere but after some research I came to the conclusion it is impossible. It seems to need a lot of warmth and humidity. Well, so I have to forget building my own wooden airplane. Thanks Ron __________________

04-24-2007, 12:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
island cassie Senior Member island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,595 BananaBucks : 6,314 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 484 Thanked 286 Times in 185 Posts Welcomes: 164	Re: Balsa tree Yes Ron. Both England and the Netherlands have similar weather. But with global warming......who knows? Or perhaps a move to the Netherlands Antilles? But I have to tell you it has been wet and windy for the last 2 days, and the Dominicans have hats and coats on - 76f/24c and 79% humidity.

04-24-2007, 12:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Do you think it can stand some frost cassie? Ron __________________

04-24-2007, 01:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
island cassie Senior Member island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,595 BananaBucks : 6,314 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 484 Thanked 286 Times in 185 Posts Welcomes: 164	Re: Balsa tree Been trying to Google it to find out - but no real luck. Why don't I send you some seeds and see how you go?

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04-24-2007, 02:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Thanks Cassie, that is really great. PM-send. __________________

06-12-2007, 10:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Thanks Cassie for the seeds who arrived today, especially considering all the trouble you had getting them out of the country. And you even paid for the shipping costs. You are a real mate. I will update the thread when i succeed in germinating them. Ron __________________

06-12-2007, 10:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
MediaHound Tally-man MediaHound's Photo Gallery Location: South Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 10b Name: Jarred Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4,022 BananaBucks : 54,167 Feedback: 58 / 100% Thanks: 929 Thanked 1,099 Times in 383 Posts Welcomes: 246	Re: Balsa tree That was nice of you, Carol! kudos!

06-12-2007, 02:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
island cassie Senior Member island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,595 BananaBucks : 6,314 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 484 Thanked 286 Times in 185 Posts Welcomes: 164	Re: Balsa tree Sorry for the shots that are blurred - have to practise taking pictures up trees!! This is the tree that I got seeds from in April, and it is coming into flower again. Thanks to some tips from Ron, I might get a better germination rate this time.

06-17-2007, 03:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree It is incredible. The seeds came all the way from the dominican republic to the netherlands. And look what happened a week after arrival. The start of my Balsa-forest. Okay, okay, I know i have a long way to go..but though. Thanks Cassie __________________

06-17-2007, 05:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
island cassie Senior Member island cassie's Photo Gallery Location: Dominican Republic Find me on the map! Zone: 11+ I guess Name: Island Cassie Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,595 BananaBucks : 6,314 Feedback: 2 / 100% Thanks: 484 Thanked 286 Times in 185 Posts Welcomes: 164	Re: Balsa tree Haha!! I have to hand it to you Ron - you have a golden touch. Before you know it you will be looking for a machete!! Cassie

06-18-2007, 01:24 AM	#12 (permalink)
AnnaJW AnnaJW's Photo Gallery Location: Riverside, CA Find me on the map! Zone: 9b Name: Anna Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,279 BananaBucks : 8,633 Feedback: 6 / 100% Thanks: 15 Thanked 39 Times in 26 Posts Welcomes: 1	Re: Balsa tree That's great Ron! Congrats! Nice pictures Cassie! __________________ -Anna Banana - From the earth we came, to the earth we return... in between we garden

06-18-2007, 07:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
MediaHound Tally-man MediaHound's Photo Gallery Location: South Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 10b Name: Jarred Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4,022 BananaBucks : 54,167 Feedback: 58 / 100% Thanks: 929 Thanked 1,099 Times in 383 Posts Welcomes: 246	Re: Balsa tree

06-18-2007, 07:47 PM	#16 (permalink)
bigdog Title-less bigdog's Photo Gallery Location: Knoxville, TN Find me on the map! Zone: 7a Name: Frank Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,447 BananaBucks : 13,805 Feedback: 5 / 100% Thanks: 74 Thanked 355 Times in 145 Posts Welcomes: 81	Re: Balsa tree Hey Ron, did you just heat up a pot of water on the stove or something? I'm trying to think if I have a thermometer for that, but don't think I do. Maybe just set it on medium for 20 minutes?? My seeds are just screaming to me to hurry up and get started germinating them!

06-18-2007, 08:08 PM	#17 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Frank, I boiled the water to the cooking point, then i waited about a 5 minutes and thought it would be 80 degrees celsius less or more. I turned the heat off. They should be in for 20 minutes but i had forgotten them and they were in longer. I won't say they would not sprout without this method but it worked for me. Ron __________________

06-18-2007, 08:23 PM	#18 (permalink)
bigdog Title-less bigdog's Photo Gallery Location: Knoxville, TN Find me on the map! Zone: 7a Name: Frank Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,447 BananaBucks : 13,805 Feedback: 5 / 100% Thanks: 74 Thanked 355 Times in 145 Posts Welcomes: 81	Re: Balsa tree Thanks, Ron. I'll give it a try tonight.

06-18-2007, 08:27 PM	#19 (permalink)
the flying dutchman Fried Banana the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 906 BananaBucks : 3,611 Feedback: 0 / 0% Thanks: 20 Thanked 55 Times in 49 Posts Welcomes: 10	Re: Balsa tree Frank, I have forgotten to say that i gave my perrieri seeds the same treatment a few days ago, it seems to be a way to break dormancy. Not that I have much confidence in those seeds anymore, if this does not works I throw them away soon. Ron __________________

06-18-2007, 10:54 PM	#20 (permalink)
bigdog Title-less bigdog's Photo Gallery Location: Knoxville, TN Find me on the map! Zone: 7a Name: Frank Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,447 BananaBucks : 13,805 Feedback: 5 / 100% Thanks: 74 Thanked 355 Times in 145 Posts Welcomes: 81	Re: Balsa tree I still have some E. perrieri seeds that are in the bag they came in. I've actually entertained the idea of cold-stratifying them, even though it is said that this is not recommended for most banana seeds. Works for Musella, which is more closely related to Ensete than Musa. Can't hurt to try. I wouldn't throw them out though, Ron. They can stay viable for many years.