PHYSICAL ANALYSIS AND SEED GERMINATION OF Austrochthamalia teyucuarensis H. A. KELLER, ENDEMIC OF THE ATLANTIC FOREST AND IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION.

Abstract

Austrochthamalia teyucuarensis H. Keller is an endemic species of the Atlantic Forest (one of the “hot spots” on the planet), with ornamental potential and endangered. The substrate influences the germination and the biometric analysis of seeds and fruits is fundamental to characterize the species. The objective of this study was to analyze the physical characteristics of fruits and seeds and their germination in substrates of paper, sand, perlite and sandstone. The fruits of A. teyucuarensis harvested in April 2017 in the Teyú Cuaré reserve, San Ignacio, Misiones, Argentina, presented an average length of 6.02±0.99 cm, 3.25±0.52 cm wide, average weight of 25.59±1.71 g and seeds per fruit amounting to 59.17±28.72. The seeds were ellipsoid-flattened, dark brown to light brown, of 8.82±0.47 mm long, width of 6.61±0.31 mm, and an average biomass of 49.46±8.04 mg. The germination (85.55±1.92%) and speed of germination (3.46±0.21 seeds per day) were greater in perlite and the greater survival of plants was observed in the sandstone. The type of substrate affects the germination of A. teyucuarensis and its long-term conservation.