The effect of the temperature and light on the germination of canudo de pito (Mabea fistulifera Mart.) was studied in laboratorial conditions. The seeds of this specie, believed to be a tipical pioneer in the secondary forests in the region of Viçosa, State of Minas Gerais, presented differents exigencies of that waited for a tipical pioneer specie seed, as improved germination by high temperature and high light intensity. Analyse of data showed that the temperature has significant effects on the germination. Higher percentage of germination were obtained at 25°C and 30°C, while light and the interrelationship light x temperature did not present any significant differences.