Aspects of the sexual reproduction of the Brazilian arnica (Solidago chilensis Meyen var. megapotamica (DC) Cabrera-Asteraceae)

The species is a very popularly used plant as woundwort. Leaves, top flower s and rhizomes are used. The objective of this work is a contribution to th e germination study, photoblastism and more adequate temperature for reprod uction of the species. The best temperature for the germination was found t o be 20 degrees C and no seeds germinated under continuous darkness, within 14 days; therefore, the seeds are positive photoblastics. The seed germina tion percentage was low, in relation to the mass of the achene produced, va rying from 8,2 to 20,0%. The alternated temperatures of 20 degrees and 30 d egrees C did not influence the seed germination and the average of the weig ht of 100 seeds was 0,026 1 g.