Although the seeds are hard coated and long lived, some germinate soon after moistening by soil contact, resulting in a short period of prolific reproduction even under lawn and garden trees. Most or all of the reproduction dies or is destroyed by insects, rodents, and lawn mowing. Seeds are easily collected by gathering pods on the ground and drying them under cover until they open. Natural dissemination is by birds and rodents. Scarified seeds usually germinate 3 to 4 days after sowing.
Germination is epigeal.
Seedlings are usually grown from seed planted in containers. In Hawaii, polyethylene bags are now the most commonly used containers for this purpose. Severe drought stress usually results in high seedling mortality following bareroot planting. Natural seedlings, or planted seedlings that are not weeded, are strongly inhibited by competition and grow much more slowly. In Honolulu, it is common practice to transplant huge trees by cutting away almost all the roots and all the branches.