Development of physiological maturity was studied on tarumã-de-espinho
(Citharexylum montevidense (Spreng.) Mold.) with the objective of estimating ideal period to
obtain seeds with better physiological quality. It was used nine periods of fruits collections, begining
at 19th week after anthesis, in order to evaluate physical and physiological parameters (fruit and
seed moisture contents, dry matter, germination, viability, electric conductivity and speed of
germination). Fruits size and color were also evaluated. Physiological maturity occurs beetween
29 and 33 weeks after anthesis, when the highest vigor rates were found. Fruits size and seeds dry
matter couldn?t demonstrate collection efficiency as maturation parameters. The tarumã-de-espinho
seeds collection can take place beetween 29 and 31 weeks after anthesis in the Botanical Garden
of Porto Alegre, when the fruits calyx present grayish green and brown color.