The study compared two plant species, Ilex rotunda and Illicium anisatum, grown under different light conditions to see how they adapt. Seedlings in full sunlight had less chlorophyll than those in shade. Illicium anisatum, which tolerates shade, showed significant differences between full sunlight and shade. Ilex rotunda, a more adaptable species, had higher photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in full sunlight. Illicium anisatum had lower photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in full sunlight. This suggests that Ilex rotunda can adjust better to different light levels than Illicium anisatum.