[jmw]

I have seed of this spiny shrub, but no knowledge of how to germinate them. I have found vague mentions of heat and fire on the net, but nothing practical. I am sure some of you will have some successful experience with this species you might be able to share please. Thank you in anticipation!

[Fleur Pavlidis]

I think the seeds will germinate very easily.
I was hoping someone else would answer your question first because my comment is rather negative!
Sarcopoterium spinosum covers a wild area of my land and is quite a problem to control without being very attractive. Compared to Euphorbia acanthothamnus, with which it is commonly confused, it's dull and badly shaped. It self-seeds freely and will grow in any circumstances of drought and shallow poor soil. I foolishly used prunings as a mulch once and suffered for the next year from being pricked whilst weeding both by the mulch and the seedlings from the seeds in the mulch.

[John J]

Like you, Fleur, I hesitated to answer as Sarcopoterium is hardly considered to be an ornamental plant here. It covers the hillsides and makes walking off any beaten track rather hazardous to say the least. The book 'Trees and Shrubs in Cyprus' describes it as; 'An indigenous species, occuring in garigue and impoverished areas, where frequently it is the dominant species.' I would think it should germinate very easily from seed, it is one of the first plants to recolonise following fires, for example.

[jmw]

Thank you both. I can well understand how a common widespread shrub holds no interest for you; however I am always willing to try something new!
If Euphorbia acanthothamnus was available I would try it, but very hard to find seed in NZ. Seed sown today.