Abstract

This study is aimed to describe the germination process of Mouriri elliptica Martius, a species in the Melastomataceae family that is native to the Cerrado (tropical savannah) and popularly known in Portuguese as croada, coroa de frade [friar’s crown], croadinha [little croada], puçá-preto [black net], or jabuticaba-do-Cerrado. The species has significant potential for use as food and medicine; however, there is a dearth of scientific studies on this plant. Two experimental tests were performed to clarify the germination process of this species: Germination was evaluated in vitro by integrating fruit ripening and culture medium, and the emergence and initial growth of M. elliptica Mart. seedlings obtained from seeds soaked for different lengths of time were observed in a greenhouse. It was verified that the in vitro environment was not effective for germination independent of the culture medium, even using known and effective methodologies for breaking dormancy in seeds of this species. For the emergence of seedlings, it was found that soaking seeds in distilled water for two days was the optimal length of time for seedling production.

Key words: Breaking dormancy, Melastomataceae, propagation, tetrazolium test.