The formation of a primary Mg 2 Si dendritic phase in hypereutectic Al-Mg 2 Si alloys is investigated using melt-spinning techniques. The results indicate that, at the initial stage, the primary Mg 2 Si crystal rapidly grows in a non-faceted manner, forming a smooth dendritic or fluted structure. As the undercooling of the process is varied, the growth behavior transitions from non-faceted to faceted. Subsequently, Mg 2 Si crystals grow preferentially along the [100] direction producing growth hillocks and forming stable branches. The morphology of the primary Mg 2 Si crystal exhibits angular facets. Furthermore, if V ½100 =V ½111 ¼ ffiffi ffi 3 p , the crystal grows as a perfect octahedral dendrite (the dendrite is composed of octahedrons), and if V ½100 =V ½111 < ffiffi ffi 3 p , the crystal grows with imperfect octahedral subunits. Lastly, the growth process of the primary Mg 2 Si dendrites is discussed.