Seeds of Ocotea corymbosa (Meissn.) Mez., a species of utility in the recovery of degraded areas and urban arborization, are short-lived under natural conditions. To verify some features of O. corymbosa seed germination, conservation, and natural longevity, seeds were obtained from trees of the region of Moji-Guaçu, SP, Brazil. Seed quality was evaluated through germination, vigor and water content, both before and after storage for 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days. This storage was carried out under two conditions: a) seeds disposed in paper bags, in the natural environment of the laboratory and b) seeds disposed in punched plastic bags, in a cold chamber (8 ± 2 degrees). Germination tests were conducted under four constant temperatures: 20, 25, 30, and 35oC. Results showed that O. corymbosa seeds have a natural longevity of about 60 days. We conclude that germination of seeds of O. corymbosa is better at 30oC than 20, 25, or 35oC and also that longevity can be increased to at least 150 days if stored in plastic bag at 8 ± 2oC.
seed; storage; germination test