The induction of somatic embryogenesis in embryo cultures of Euterpe edulis is described. The basal medium was composed of LS salts and Morel & Wetmore vitamins. Activated charcoal was added to prevent explant oxidation. 2,4-D higher than 50 mg/l was necessary for inducing embryogenesis which occurs 45-180 days after the start of cultures. Embryos arise directly from surface proliferating tissues on the matrix structure , without callus formation. The transfer of tissues with embryo clusters to medium with NAA plus 2iP, or without growth regulators, induces embryo development into plantlets.