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Toward improving reforestation of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia), two contrasting sapling sizes in either full sun or in the shade of a mixed plantation and the effect of opening the canopy were evaluated for survival, growth, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, and leaf anatomy 18 months after being planted. At 23 months after planting, a partial opening was made in the canopy in the mixed plantation, then the saplings were evaluated again after 2 months for the same morphophysiological traits. After 18 months, saplings planted in the full sun had higher survival, growth, pigments, and photosynthesis compared to the shaded saplings. Large saplings had higher survival and growth compared to the small ones. Shaded leaves were thinner and little differentiation of palisade parenchyma and hypodermis. After opening of the canopy, photosynthetically active radiation was 10 times higher, and the saplings quickly grew in height due to increased photosynthesis. Thus, although the species can tolerate shade, growth in the shade is limited. We recommend that for reforestation purposes of Brazilian pine, large saplings should be selected and planted in the open for better development.