Seed that takes about an year to sprout.

Do you know of any seed that takes about an year to sprout?

Let me tell you about Rudraksh.

The seed of the Rudraksh tree (Elaeocarpus granitrus, Utrasum-bead tree) is of great significance in Hinduism, and is recognized to possess mystical properties. Rudraksh beads are considered auspicious as well as powerful, and are supposed to have profound health benefits. There is a explanation in Vedic scriptures but I'll skip it for the moment. The Rudraksh trees grow tall and bear tiny white colored fragrant flowers that bloom in the rainy season. These flowers turn into black berry like fruits, that mature into brown-red colored Rudraksh seeds. When dried, the Rudraksh seed/bead is about the size of a marble with brainlike configurations which are commonly referred to as its “faces.” A bead’s value is determined not only by its size but by the number of faces nature has endowed it with. It may have one to twenty-one faces. Each of the different Rudraksh beads have distinct powers and properties. It has been shown that Rudraksh beads are considered to have electromagnetic properties and that they affect the human body when worn.

These beads are used to make rosaries and necklaces for prayer and meditation mainly used by Hindus and Buddhists, especially by saints and monks that gave them tremendous amount of tranquility, control over mind and concentration to meditate for a long period. The rudraksh necklaces are treasured by Indians who wear them to regulate the blood pressure and to tranquilize the mind against nervous disorders. Considered a major stress reliever, Elaeocarpus fruits are used in Ayurveda for mental diseases, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, arthritis and liver diseases. Rudraksh is found in Nepal and India and only a trained eye examining the beads for years can distinguish between a fake and a genuine one. Fakes are thriving due to the rising demand of rudraksh and the lack of knowledge. Growing Rudraksh is not easy. It grows in tropical conditions and I've not heard much on the availability of saplings to plant. When genuine Rudraksh beads are sown it takes around one year for it to sprout to a plant. The potting mix needs to be kept well-watered at regular intervals. It should be moist but not waterlogged. Once about 4-5 inches tall, they can be re-potted into larger containers and finally the yard.

My dad's friend has recently experimented with one. I'll see him in a week, and update this post.

Photos courtesy: Internet
More links/resources:
http://findmeacure.com/2009/03/29/rudrakshaelaeocarpus-sphaericus/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha