Plant trait variation drives plant function, community composition and ecosystem processes.
However, our current understanding of trait variation disproportionately relies on …

Plants are multifaceted organisms that have evolved numerous solutions to the problem of
establishing, growing and reproducing with limited resources. The intrinsic dimensionality of …

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) provides a useful framework for examining species
strategies as shaped by their evolutionary history. However, that spectrum, as originally …

Root, stem and leaf traits are thought to be functionally coordinated to maximize the
efficiency of acquiring and using limited resources. However, evidence is mixed for …

Ecological theory is built on trade-offs, where trait differences among species evolved as
adaptations to different environments. Trade-offs are often assumed to be bidirectional …

There is growing recognition that classifying terrestrial plant species on the basis of their
function (into'functional types') rather than their higher taxonomic identity, is a promising way …

Aim This first global quantification of the relationship between leaf traits and soil nutrient
fertility reflects the trade‐off between growth and nutrient conservation. The power of soils …

Slope stability models traditionally use simple indicators of root system structure and
strength when vegetation is included as a factor. However, additional root system traits …

Functional traits are increasingly used to investigate community structure, ecosystem
functioning or to classify species into functional groups. These functional traits are expected …

Hyperdiverse forests occur in the lowland tropics, whereas the most species‐rich shrublands
are found in regions such as south‐western Australia (kwongan) and South Africa (fynbos) …