Although there are many factors shaping the population dynamics ofMimosa acantholoba var. eurycarpa , the initial one given by its high resprouting ability seems to be the most relevant demographic component. The ecological characteristics of this species, such as low growth rate and low fecundity, do not allow it to undergo demographic processes that maintain a stable population through the entire duration of a secondary successional process, estimated to last in the study forest more than a century. This combination of factors results in this species being restricted to early and young stages of succession or to disturbed sites. Therefore, resprouting should be explicitly considered when understanding the population dynamics of pioneer species having this capacity, especially in tropical dry forests facing disturbance.