The modification of the drop size spectra of natural and simulated rainfall by the canopies of three tropical plantation tree species was measured using a disdrometer. Contrary to previously published results, large differences were found between species in the degrees of modification. The median-volume drop diameters were measured were 2.3, 2.8, and 4.2 mm for Pinus caribaea, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Tectona grandis, respectively. The characteristic drip spectra for the different species are equivalent to the corresponding drop size spectra for rainfall with approximate intensities of 50, 100, and 3000 mm h-1 (essentially infinite) for P. caribaea, E. camaldulensis, and T. grandis, respectively. These results have implications for the choice of the best tree species for areas susceptible to soil erosion. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1993