The germination of freshly harvested Styzolobium atterrimum seeds was evaluated after chemical, physical, and mechanical methods for overcoming the impermeability of the seed coat. Removal of a small portion of the seed coat at the distal end of the seed, i.e., at the area opposite the embryonic axis, or immersion of the seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, were the most effective methods, exhibiting germination above 88%. Imbibition in water at room temperature, in organic solvents, dry heating or cooling, had no effect, not differing from the check which produced germination of only 23,9%. The methods of scarification between sandpaper, and immersion in concentrated sulphuric acid for 30 minutes were not very effective, having even caused damage to a certain portion of the seeds. lmmersion in boiling water, even for one minute, caused the death of practicaly all the seeds.