Germination of Banlsteriopsls variabilis' (Malpighiaceae) seeds under Cerrado's climate

摘要

Many species of Malpighiaceae have seeds that fail in standard germination tests. Banistehopsis variabilis B. Gates is a climber from Brazilian Savannas that produces a great amount of fruits but also has seeds with low germination rate on lab tests.Seed dispersion occurs during dry cold season. Long term water availability occurs only after 3 or 4 months later during hot and wet summer, due to Cerrados well drain sandy soils. To understand environmental cues influencing and improving germination, field experiments were set and analyzed with soil temperature and moisture data.