The objective of this research was to study the maturation process of the Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. seeds. The seeds and fruits were collected from plants located, Areia County, State of Paraíba, Brazil. Were made sixteen weekly fruits and seeds harvests of starting from 105 days after anthesis in the period of August up to November, 2001. Were evaluated the fruits and, seeds dimensions, the moisture content; the fruits and, seeds fresh and dry weight mass, the germination percentage; and first germination count, length and the seedling fresh and dry weight mass. According to the obtained results, it was observed that the physiological maturity of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia occurred from 154 days after the anthesis extending up to 168. The harvesting cannot be delayed beyond 189 days after the due to a great loss of fruits and seeds caused by natural dispersion.
Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth; harvesting; germination; vigor
