Variation of non‐structural carbohydrates across the fast–slow continuum in Amazon Forest canopy trees

Abstract Tropical tree species span a range of life‐history strategies within fast–slow continuum. The position this continuum is thought to reflect negative relationship between growth and storage, with fast‐growing allocating more carbon slow‐growing investing in storage. For tropical species, the storage has been largely studied on seedlings less so adult trees. We evaluated how stored non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) vary across trees spanning Peruvian Amazon by: (a) analysing whole‐tree NSC two contrasting (b) investigating relationships key traits broader set species. Our results are consistent growth–storage trade‐off. analysis revealed that Eschweilera coriacea about 2.7 times as much Bixa arborea due markedly higher woody stems roots. B . also had seasonality NSC, reflecting its strong stem growth. Across starch was negatively related rate positively wood density. Given role mediating plants' response stress, our suggest greater reserves may be resilient drought than