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Litterfall and phenological patterns for six structurally important perennial species of a desert scrub community in Mexico (Jatropha cinerea, J. cuneata, Fouquieria diguetti, Bursera microphylla, Cyrtocarpa edulis and Prosopis articulata) are described for a 34-month period. The total litter obtained for the community in an experimental plot was 1.2 t ha(-1) year(-1). Results showed that species could be grouped according to their production of vegetative structures in relation to water availability; this production of vegetative structures was related to species-specific leaf morphology. Conversely, the production of sexual structures depended on temperature and humidity. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited