Schinopsis brasiliensis Engler (Anacardiaceae), commonly known as "baraúna or brauna", a typical "Caatinga" tree. It presents seeds with difficult and delayed germination. This research had the objective to evaluate the germination seeds of S. brasiliensis, and to suggest techniques that make more efficient the germination process. The fruit were collected on November 2001 (fructification period) in Juriti Farm, municipality of Caruaru, Pernambuco State, Brazil, in semi-arid region. It were used newly collected fruit to the tests of: fruit with and without epicarp and mesocarp, washed fruit and not washed fruit. Different methods were used to overcome the endocarp dormancy of fruit stored during 30 days in a cold and dry chamber (15±2°C, 50%UR) kept in Kraft paper bags. According to the results, the best way to get a regular, fast and completed germination of S. brasiliensis is the extraction of epicarp and mesocarp and to sow in humid sand after 25 to 30 days stored (pre-drying).
germination; mechanical scarification; acid scarification; germination velocity
