We investigated the links between slope variation and heterogeneity in tree growth and stand structure. The
study was conducted in an undisturbed wet evergreen forest in India. We selected three plots situated on gentle slopes
and three plots situated on steep slopes. Tree growth was considered as mean annual diameter increment. Stand
structure was considered in relation to several characteristics: trunk diameter distributions, tree heights, and spatial
distributions of stems and crowns. Except for the spatial structure, analyses were performed on samples including
either all the species or only the dominant species (Vateria indica L.). Diameter growth varied according to slope
intensity and to tree size: growth of large trees was clearly higher on steep slopes whereas growth of small trees
proved lower or similar. Diameter distributions were different among the six plots, but the difference cannot be related
to slope intensity. On the contrary, tree heights differed according to slope intensity: for a given diameter, trees were
taller on gentle slopes than on steep slopes. Finally, stem spatial distributions showed strong regularity on gentle slopes
whereas they were random on steep slopes. The observed changes between gentle and steep slopes suggest differences
at tree level through a modification of its shape, but also differences in the major processes responsible for stand
dynamics: competition, establishment and survival.