The aim of this work was to compare the effects of different kinds and thickness of covering materials on the emergence of seed of amarelão (Aspidosperma vargasii A.DC.). The experiment was conducted in the Seed Laboratory of Federal University of Acre, Brazil. The seeds were covered with sand, wood shavings and sawdust at various thickness layers (0.5; 1.0 and 2.0cm). Evaluation considered the following variables: speed and percentage of emergence; shoot and root length and weight of fresh root matter. The data were statistically analyzed by using a completely randomized factorial of 3x3 with four repetitions of 25 seeds. Significant differences were observed among treatments. The greater rates of seedling emergence, as well as fresh primary root weight matter, and hipocotyle and primary root development were obtained with wood shavings and sand treatments at 2.0cm thickness.