This paper evaluates the physiological maturation of seeds of Miconia cinnamomifolia (DC.) Naud. -- from an ecological point of view, i e., ripening processes associated to fruit dispersal. During two consecutive years seed rain samples were analysed and local seed production evaluated. Our results demonstrated that both green and black fruits have viable seeds during the whole harvest period (7-8 months). Fruit maturation is irregular in the canopy and in each inflorescence. Fortnightly harvests of target trees, observed from blooming to fruiting, reveal an intense predation of the black fruits. Seed physiological maturity could be associated to the middle of the harvest, when seed moisture is low and seed germination is high. Germination and seed moisture are good indicators of physiological maturation of this species; fruit color cannot be used as a good indicator, because both greenish and black fruits germinate equally well. Maturation percentage, i. e., the ratio of green and black to fruits totals proved to be a good indicator of maturity for Miconia cinnamomifolia, although the intense predation of black fruits at the end of the crop could obscure the results.
Physiological maturation; fruits; seeds; dispersal; germination; Melastomataceae; Atlantic Rain Forest
