Trait variation across individuals and species influences the resistance and resilience of ecosystems to disturbance, and the ability of individuals to capitalize on post-disturbance conditions. In trees, the anatomical structure of the xylem directly affects plant function and, consequently, it is a valuable lens through which to understand resistance and resilience to disturbance.

To determine how hurricanes affect the wood anatomy of tropical trees, we characterized a set of anatomical traits in wood produced before and after a major hurricane for 65 individuals of ten Puerto Rican tree species. We quantified variation at different scales and determined trait shifts between the pre- and post-hurricane periods. We also assessed correlations between traits and growth rates.

While the majority of anatomical trait variation occurred among species, we also observed substantial variation within species and individuals. Within individuals, we found significant shifts for some traits that generally reflected increased hydraulic conductivity in the post-hurricane period. We found weak evidence for an association between individual xylem anatomical traits and diameter growth rates.

Ultimately, within-individual variation of xylem anatomical traits observed in our study could be related to post-hurricane recovery and overall growth (e.g., canopy filling). Other factors, however, likely decouple a relationship between xylem anatomy and diameter growth. While adjustments of wood anatomy may enable individual trees to capitalize on favorable post-disturbance conditions, these may also influence their future responses or vulnerability to subsequent disturbances.