The Leguminosae family is one of the most representative botanical families of the
Caatinga, with 80 endemic species, highlighting the catingueira (Poincianella pyramidalis). The
objective of this research work was to study the maturation process of P. pyramidalis seeds based on the
physiological maturity. Five harvest of fruits and seeds were carried out, with 15 days interval each, in a
period from July to September 2010. The harvests began 75 days after anthesis (d.a.a.) and lasted until
135 d.a.a. Fruits and seeds were subjected to the following assessments: size, moisture content, and dry
mass of fruits and seeds; and germination and vigor of seeds (first count of germination, germination
speed index, length and dry mass of seedling). Under the environmental conditions of municipality of
Soledade, State of Paraiba, Northeast Brazil, the point of physiological maturity of P. pyramidalis seeds
occurs at 125 d.a.a., when the maximum accumulation of dry mass is 1.993 g and moisture content is
21%. The ideal point of harvest is between 130 d.a.a and 135 d.a.a., before natural dehiscence, when
the moisture content of seeds is between 13.0% and 5.0%.