Seasonal dynamics of total phenolics (TP), extractable condensed tannins (ECT), protein-bound condensed
tannins (PBCT), fiber-bound condensed tannins (FBCT), total condensed tannins (TCT) and nitrogen contents in sun and
shade leaves of Aegiceras corniculatum were studied in the Zhangjiang Estuary, Fujian Province, China. The contents of
TP, ECT and TCT in the sun leaves were significantly higher than those in the shade leaves through the season. The N
content in sun leaves was higher than that in shade leaves in the autumn, while it was lower in the summer, and there was
no significant difference in the winter and spring. With the respect to the P through the year, P content in the sun leaves
was different between seasons, with the highest in winter and the lowest in summer. In addition, the TP:N and ECT:N
ratios in sun leaves were significantly higher than those in shade leaves except in autumn. High tannin levels and TP:N
and ECT:N ratios in the sun leaves not only can reduce oxidative stress, but also improve the ability of resisting plant
diseases and insect pests.