Are Palm tree seeds poisonous?
Handling the seeds A number of species have an irritant (calcium oxalate crystals) in the fruit pulp. Wear gloves when handling Arenga seeds, Caryota seeds and Chamaedorea spp. seeds. General Recommendation Soak the seeds in water for 1 to 5 days. Change the water daily and plant the seeds immediately after the treatment. Some palm trees species have tough water impermeable seed coats, such as Butia spp. (Pindo) that reduce the rate of germination. The picture on the right, above, shows palm fruit soaking in water. Credit: Alan W.
