Observations on germination of Phytolaque seeds (Phytolacca dodecandra, l'Herit). An experiment was conducted at Yangambi, Zaire, to test some substances that may stimulate the germination of Phytolacca dodecandra l'Herit seeds. The following chemical stimulators were investigated : hot water at 30 and 40° C ; potassium nitrate at 5.10, 3 M, 10-2 M, and 5.1 O-2 M concentration and sulfuric acid at 25, 50, 75 and 100 %. Seeds treated with 100 % sulfuric acid for 10 minutes had the highest percent germination. It was recommended to use fresh seeds of not more than 3 months old.