Observations of flowering, fruit development and seed germination of four populations of E. vauthierianum in Paranapiacaba region showed a discrepancy of about 20 days in the time of flowering. In May, the earliest populations presented heads with flowers in different stages of development and frutification occurred in mid-June. The complete development from flower buds to ripe fruits lasted approximately 55 days. The number of fruits per head varied from 10 to 26 and the percentage of fertile fruits from 5.5 to 100%. Seed germination assays showed variations in the germination capability both within and among populations. Germination was shown to be greater at 20°C than 25°C and 30°C. Moreover, 12 hour photoperiod was shown to be more effective than full darkness for seed germination.
Flowering; fruit development
