This study aimed to characterize the seed, and seedling morphology and development of C. prismatica and to identify the best temperature, substrate and light conditions for germination. The seed is characterized as exalbuminous and has a spiral, elliptical shape, with a coriaceous, dark-brown tegument. The embryo is described as cotyledonary pimentoid, axial, meaty and cylindrical, curved into a "C" and is white. Seedling development begins with the operculum opening and a small expansion of hypocotyl in this region. After this expansion, hairs develop at the base of the hypocotyl and the emission of the radicle occurs around the 18th day, and by 45 days the seedling has already developed the protophyll. The highest values for percentage, mean time and germination speed of C. prismatica seeds were obtained at 25°C, using a paper towel substrate and sand. The species can be classified as being preferentially positively photoblastic.
Myrtaceae; substrate; temperature; light
