Byrsonima intermedia is a woody and medicinal species occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado. The objective of this research was to determine the pattern of division and viability of cells with embryogenic characteristics. Leaf segments were inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L-1 2,4-D. Subcultures were performed three times, all at sixty days, resulting in three subcultures. We assessed cell viability and mitotic index of cells with embryogenic characteristics, the second subculture. The second subculture at 20 and 40 days, higher rates of cell division. To 80 days of incubation of calluses, the highest percentage of viable cells with embryogenic characteristics occurs.