Seed germination response of the Puerto Rican wá and dry forest populations of Tabebuia heterophylla trees was tested using a gradient of osmotic potentials from O to -1.5 MPa. Morphological comparisons were also made from adult specimens. Dry forest trees showed smaller leaves, fruits, and seeds, and greater specific leaf weight. Dry forest fiuits produced smaller seeds than wá forest fruits when similar small fruits were compared. Germination percentage was strongly reduced as osmotic potential decreased, and was significant in both seed origins. This reduction was greater 00 seeds from the wá forest population. Days for germination showed the same response but this was less evident in the seeds from the dry foresto Osmotic potential lower than -0.9 MPa. compláely arrested seed germination in both populations. No significant difference in final germination percentage and days to germinate exist at high osmotic potentials in both seed populations. This physiological capacity along with the morphological modifications indicates why this species can maintain viable populations in the contrasting environmental conditions of the dry and moist forest habitats.
