The seasonal pattern of leaf production and fate of leaf cohorts were assessed in 59 spp. of woody plants over a period of 28 mo. in a West African dry forest (mean annual rainfall 1100 mm). In all species, leaves were produced in synchronous flushes. Flushing patterns varied somewhat between species and between individuals within species, although all flushing activity was restricted to wet periods. Damage to leaves by folivorous insects was largely confined to newly flushed leaves. Insects inflicted severe damage to 13% of new leaf cohorts. Species having potential deterents to folivore attack (hairy leaves or secondary compounds) were attacked less frequently than species without apparent protection. Prolonged flushing activity brought about an added risk of insect attack in species lacking such protection. Drought is considered the most important single factor affecting the growth, distribution and phenology of woody species in this dry forest. The restriction of leaf production to short, synchronous flushing periods is adequately explained in terms of physiological constraints relating to the avoidance of moisture stress. A consequence of this raplid flushing, however, may be escape from folivory.