Phenotypic plasticity does not prevent impairment of aboveground biomass production due to increased light and water deficit in Dimorphandra exaltata, an endangered species.

Phenotypic plasticity may allow plant species to cope with environmental variability that influences plant growth and may limit the distribution of a species. The present study investigated the morphophysiology and phenotypic plasticity responses due to light and water variability of young Dimorphandra exaltata plants, an endemic threatened tree from the Atlantic Forest. After emergence, plants were grown in two light conditions: shading (70%) and full sun.