Mendonça, Ane Marcela das Chagas creator Lira, Jean Marcel Sousa creator Melo, Nayara Cristina de creator Rodrigues, Marcelo creator Barbosa, João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino creator text periodical abstract or summary bl. continuing eng ABSTRACT The heterogeneous light pattern in forest environments leads to specific morphological and physiological responses. However, anthropogenic pressures in areas such as Atlantic Forest and Cerrado are modifying the light availability, and consequently the forest community composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasticity of forest species Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus under full sunlight and shade conditions. P. pseudocaryophyllus showed typical shade plant phenotype, with higher net photosynthesis, transpiration, and chlorophyll a and b contents when cultivated under this condition. The decrease in net photosynthesis under full sunlight conditions is probably related to PSII photoinhibition. In addition, under full sunlight, reduced height, number of leaves, and specific leaf area was observed, while plants in shade increased these characteristics. P. pseudocaryophyllus did not show high morphological and physiological plasticity, which may be a maladaptive response. It was concluded that forest disturbances could compromise the occurrence and survival of P. pseudocaryophyllus. Keywords: initial growth, RDPI, full sunlight, shade, pau-cravo. Publicação on-line; 43 ref.; 4 tables; 2 illus.; Summary (En) CRESCIMENTO PIMENTA RADIAÇÃO SOLAR Rio de Janeiro-RJ Instituto de Florestas - UFRRJ 1994 2025-0451 1415-0980 / ISSN 2179-8087 0nline BR2026000287 v. 26(3) p. 1-8; (2019) https://www.scielo.br/j/floram/a/CVQYTRKGV88MPzQCcSCtSyc/?format=pdf&lang=en https://www.scielo.br/j/floram/a/CVQYTRKGV88MPzQCcSCtSyc/?format=pdf&lang=en BR-BrBNA 260407 20260407050101.0 eng