To be clear on my comment about not sure if I would do paper towel again, since damp sand also seems to be a popular method, and to me it seems like it would be least likely to inhibit the roots growing straight, it's what I think I might try next time.
After 5 1/2 months, the 29 original seeds have dropped to 15 that have sprouted a root (longest was about 3") 4 haven't done anything (unlikely to sprout I think) and 10 that were thrown out over time, due to rot.
I'm not sure I would do the damp paper towel method again, as you can see that...
Different types of seeds require different procedures and stratification periods - check this link for some help for your particular type - http://ofbonsai.org/techniques/propagation/trees-from-seed-bonsai-the-slowest-way
In mid-October I started stratifying some Japanese Beech seeds purchased from a seed house.
I started with 29 seeds of which 18 sank and 11 floated during the overnight soak.
Stratification has been in the refrigerator, in damp paper towels, in plastic bags - I've been checking the...
Where is this tree? Your post says "in the islands" - Big Island of Hawaii? I know there are many real-life wind swept trees there, and it is somewhat arid at certain locations.