Resumo. The Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth, popularly known as paricarana, have economic potential for landscaping, timber, and reforestation. The objective of this work was physical characterization of paricarana seeds from 12 matrices with different seed coat coloration, using image analysis techniques, and also evaluation of scarification treatment efficiency to determinate the seed physiological quality. The paricarana seeds of 12 matrices were classified in two colors, orange and red, manually and with the assistance of Groundeye® hardware/software. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement of 12 x 2 (matrices x colors) with four replications. The evaluations were: morphometry of the seed and seedling, x - rays, germination, speed of soaked seed, rate of germination and the electron microscopy seed scanning. In the germination test a scarification with water at 100°C for 10 seconds plus 5 minutes in hypochlorite 2% were made in the seeds to overcoming dormancy and for pathogens control. The techniques used to characterizing the physical quality of the orange and red seeds of paricarana from 12 matrices are efficient. The orange seeds of paricarana have better physical and physiological quality. Treatment with water at 100°C for 10 seconds plus 5 minutes immersion in hypochlorite 2% are efficient in breaking dormancy of orange and red seeds from the 12 matrices of paricarana.