EcuadorianHands Successfully Germinates Palo Santo Seeds for its Reforestation Program

Since I started EcuadorianHands, I've consistently emphasized a simple idea: every product with a purpose must support a real conservation program. In our case, the dry tropical forest of Manabí, the habitat of Palo Santo, is the heart of that mission.

Today we're taking a step that excites me: our seed research program is officially underway. We will collect, classify, and monitor the seeds using a scientific methodology, in partnership with the Technical University of Manabí. We want to clarify the doubts and hypotheses surrounding how and when they germinate, which treatments work best, and what conditions optimize their viability. With evidence and patience, we are paving the way for scientific publications that will benefit future generations… and lead to more responsible harvesting practices.

Looking back, I see how this sacred wood, which soothes the soul, also demands an ethical approach: it is not felled, its cycle is respected; we make use of what nature provides. This research is consistent with that: understanding the seed in depth to restore the forest more precisely and with less impact.

Why now: science, tradition, and a forest that needs us

Studying Palo Santo seeds at this time of year makes sense both biologically and culturally. From the tree's perspective, reproduction is synchronized with the rains and the seasonal transitions of the dry forest. From a human perspective, our responsibility is to align with that rhythm and transform it into useful knowledge for conservation.

The dry forest may seem austere at first glance, but it is actually a finely adapted system to extreme conditions: it alternates between periods of abundant water and periods of scarcity, and every leaf, every fruit, and every seed is designed to survive this climatic cycle. My intention is that what we discover doesn't remain confined to a laboratory, but rather translates into nurseries, reforestation projects, and wiser decisions about when and how to plant.

There's also a spiritual aspect that I don't want to overlook. I've seen so many people light a small piece of Palo Santo wood, hoping to find some peace. If this everyday practice is going to continue, I need to make sure there's a healthy, sustainable system behind it. Therefore, everything we consume must be based on restoration and data, not just good intentions.

How we started: from the tree to the field notebook

We begin in winter, when the Palo Santo tree enters its peak reproductive season. I chose a tree about fifteen years old, vigorous, with branches that, at first glance, seemed to be laden with fruit. At this stage, you learn to observe patiently: each cluster of fruit tells you something about the tree's health and the upcoming season.

With our team, we placed breathable, biodegradable mesh bags on the selected branches. These bags allow the tissues to breathe and protect the fruit from predators, especially birds that feed on the seeds. At the same time, they prevent the seeds from falling to the ground and being lost among fallen leaves, moisture, and insects once they are released.

This seemingly simple act of covering the branches lays the foundation for systematic research: we know the exact origin of the seeds, we control the exposure time, we record the climate and microclimate, and we reduce data variability when we compare different treatments later. With everything in place, we begin the most difficult part for any field researcher: waiting. We decided to leave the bags on until the end of April, when the chances of finding mature, ready-to-analyze seeds are highest.

When the Forest Sheds Its Leaves: The Dry Season and Seed Collection

Seventy days later, we returned to the site. The tree had lost a considerable number of leaves. At first glance, someone unfamiliar with the dry forest might be alarmed; for me, however, it is a reminder of its survival strategy. During the summer or dry season, the Palo Santo tree reduces transpiration by shedding its leaves, thus conserving precious water.

This apparent leaflessness is not a sign of weakness, but rather an ecological adaptation. Upon examining the seed pods, we found that many seeds had already detached from the fruit and were stored inside the pods. Removing them required careful handling: we opened each pod, collected the contents in clean containers, and, with the patience of a craftsman, separated the seeds from the dry leaves.

At this point, we encountered a phenomenon we expected to find: some seeds showed signs of surface mold. The recent rains explain the additional moisture that accelerates the decomposition of the pulp. This is not cause for alarm if action is taken quickly and with sound judgment.

After cleaning the seeds, we transferred them to paper bags to help absorb any remaining moisture and took them to the laboratory at the Technical University of Manabí. At the same time, we collected a sample of seeds from the ground. For our research, we need to compare different scenarios: it is not enough to study only the seeds protected on the branches; we also need to observe what happens when nature follows its course without human intervention.

There is one question I love to ask because it connects science with everyday ecology:

Do seeds that pass through the digestive tract of certain birds germinate better?

The literature suggests this for many species. By collecting seeds from the ground in areas frequented by birds, we incorporate this variable into our analysis, with the aim of validating or refining this hypothesis for Bursera graveolens.

The laboratory as an extension of the forest: methodology and treatments

We transported the seeds to Lodana – Santa Ana District, to the Faculty of Agronomy. There, the forest becomes a microscope and a field notebook. We established three seed origin groups: seeds collected from branches in biodegradable bags without touching the ground; seeds stored under refrigeration for approximately two years; and seeds that had fallen naturally to the ground. This stratification allows us to compare not only the health status but also the viability and response to pre-germination treatments.

The first step in the laboratory is the tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test. Soaking the seeds in this solution has a very specific purpose: to stain the living cells of the embryo and precisely locate it. Knowing where it is and its condition helps us make decisions before any intervention. If we are going to cut or scarify the seed coat, we must do so while avoiding unnecessary damage. In this sense, tetrazolium is like a traffic light: it indicates how "alive" the tissue is and where to focus our attention.

Based on this initial assessment, three pre-germination treatments are applied. Seed scarification involves partially opening the seed coat to facilitate water absorption. Mechanical scarification thins the outer layer, accelerating imbibition without damaging the embryo. The control group serves as a baseline: no treatment is applied to this group, and its natural behavior is observed.

The true value of the experiment lies in comparing germination percentages and times across treatments and seed origins. If one method works better for seeds from branches than for those from the ground, we will know. If cold storage maintains acceptable germination rates, we can plan more efficient seed banks.

Throughout the process, temperature, humidity, light, and sanitary conditions were recorded. These details are not mere bureaucracy; they are the difference between a reproducible result and an anecdotal observation. What we are seeking is a protocol that other nurseries in other areas of the dry forest can confidently follow and adapt to their specific conditions.

Beyond the laboratory: why this transforms reforestation

Trees aren't planted for the photo opportunity; they're planted to stay. This seemingly obvious idea has been my guiding principle in designing this project. A well-tested germination protocol increases seedling survival in the nursery and reduces costs in the long run. The impact isn't measured solely by how many seeds we sow, but by how many strong seedlings reach the field and how many take root in the forest.

Restoring dry forests restores shade, habitat, and soil. It protects pollinators and birds, regulates microclimates, and restores ecosystem services that benefit communities. Furthermore, by better understanding the composition of the forest and the carbon storage potential of Palo Santo and its associated species, we can make restoration decisions that realistically contribute to climate change mitigation. My commitment is that the figures we share are not mere slogans, but data backed by measurements and traceability.

There is also a social benefit that deeply motivates me. A serious reforestation program generates decent employment and fosters local pride. When a family sees that caring for the forest brings income and well-being, conservation ceases to be an external concept and becomes part of their way of life.

This is where fair trade makes sense: every purchase of Palo Santo products can fund nursery operations, provide planting materials, tools, and transportation for reforestation teams. For me, connecting these dots is the essence of EcuadorianHands.

Although I prefer to avoid the rigidity of lists, I want to provide a clear sequence here for anyone who wishes to replicate this process.

• First, select a healthy tree with a good fruit yield, noting its approximate age, location, and date.
• Second, protect the branches with porous, biodegradable bags, numbering them for traceability and recording the weather conditions.
• Third, wait for the agreed-upon period (in our case, around seventy days) and collect the contents using clean containers, carefully separating the seeds and leaves.
• Fourth, store the seeds in paper bags and transport them to a laboratory or a room with controlled conditions.
• Fifth, assess seed viability using tetrazolium to locate the embryo and prevent damage, and apply pre-germination treatments (cutting, scarification, or control) according to the experimental plan.
• Sixth, sow the seeds and monitor them diligently, recording germination percentage, time to emergence, seedling vigor, and overall health.
• Finally, compare the results by origin and treatment, and adjust the protocol for the next cycle.

How can you support us?

If this story resonates with you, follow us to stay updated on our progress, subscribe to our newsletter where we summarize each germination cycle, and, if you can, choose products that promote genuine forest restoration.

FAQ

Why protect branches instead of collecting seeds directly from the ground?

We need traceability and clean samples to compare treatments with minimal interference. However, we also include seeds from the ground to understand natural behavior and the effects of the microenvironment.

What does tetrazolium chloride (TTC) tell us?

It allows us to locate the embryo and confirm if its cells are viable before any intervention, reducing the risk of damaging it with cuts or abrasions.

Cutting or abrasion?

Cutting partially opens the seed coat to accelerate water uptake; abrasion thins the surface and mimics controlled abrasion. We compare both methods against a control group to make data-driven decisions.

What do we do about surface fungi?

We address this with cleaning, ventilation, and paper bags to regulate humidity. Viability testing and, if necessary, appropriate disinfection before planting, guide the next steps.

Does passage through birds improve germination?

It's a plausible hypothesis for several species. Our data will show how much it influences Palo Santo and if we can replicate this effect mechanically with calibrated abrasion.

How does this relate to reforestation?

A clear protocol increases success rates in nurseries and in the field, reduces costs, and allows planting during the optimal climatic windows, strengthening dry forest restoration.