Scarification
Propagation and reproduction
Definition: Artificial methods to soften the seed coat including scratching or rupturing the seed coat with sandpaper, nicking it with a knife, or degrading it with concentrated acid.
How it applies to plumeria: Scarification can relate to cuttings, rooting, grafting, seed pods, seedlings, or pollination. These details help explain how a plumeria is reproduced and whether a plant is a clone, a seedling, or a grafted plant.
What to look for: Record whether the observation came from a cutting, grafted plant, seedling, pod parent, or pollen parent. Propagation notes are useful, but they should be kept separate from visual identification traits.
Identification note: This term is one clue. A plumeria should be compared using all available traits, photos, source history, and growing context rather than a single characteristic.
- Glossary: Seed scarificationSeed scarification: Involves breaking, scratching, or softening the seed coat so that water can enter and begin the germination process. Plumeria context is explained on the term page.