The impact of human activities on the Restingas has been so intense in recent decades that there is now an urgent need for conservation of remnant patches and restoration of degraded areas. The production of seedlings is an important phase in the restoration process. Phenological data obtained for 72 species showed a wide variation in the timing and duration of fruiting. Therefore, seed harvest should take place continuously throughout the year in order to cover a high diversity of species. Fifty per cent of the 72 species showed no restrictions for seedling production. The necessary timing for the beginning of shoot emergence and for maximum germination percentage were compared for 44 species. The large amplitude of intra- and interspecific variation suggests the occurrence of distinct types of dormancy. The great viability of seedling production of Restinga plants may further incentive ongoing initiatives of restoration of degraded Restingas and of recuperation of natural populations of threatened species.
phenology; germination; seedling production; restoration; Restinga
