Seed germination in Caesalpinia paraguariensis (Fabaceae): scarification agents and effect of cattle

The tree Caesalpinia paraguariensis grows in the Chaco region, Argentina. F ruits are indehiscent with many seeds. This species is an important source of wood and the fruits are consumed by cattle in Salta province. We studied seed germination under chemical, mechanical and biological scarification. Seeds from controls (without scarification) and those with biological scari fication had a smaller (and similar) germination rate. The non-germinated s eeds from biological treatments were mechanically scarified and their germi nation rate was similar to others under the mechanical treatment. Passage b y digestive tracts would not enhance germination because viable seeds are s till dormant due to their hard coats.