A field experiment was conducted to test the effects of simulated folivory on leaf production, plant growth rate and mortality of small individuals of Metrodorea pubescens in an evergreen gallery forest in central Brazil. Although complete defoliation decreased annual growth rate, both in absolute and relative values, it also stimulated leaf production. Mortality was observed only in individuals in the smallest size class, but was not statistically related to percentage defoliation. Recovery of completely defoliated individuals was rapid and after one year over 70% of their initial number of leaves was present. It is probable that insect folivory is not a direct cause of mortality of juveniles of this species.
