The relationship between leaf nitrogen, nitrogen metabolites and herbivory in two species of Nyctaginaceae from the Brazilian Cerrado

► Both plant species have presented high N-levels and low toughness to Cerrado pattern. ► They suffer high leaf damage levels, despite producing N-metabolites. ► There were few differences among their strategies, but similar effects on herbivory. ► Therefore, the species must be classified as herbivory tolerant. ► They may present strategies to absorb nutrients, compensating losses from herbivory.