Data for: Pine trees structure plant biodiversity patterns in savannas

Overstory trees serve multiple functions in grassy savannas. Past research has shown that large pine canopy openings harbor greater plant species richness and different species composition. However, these studies did not examine such patterns at the scale of individual trees. We examined the relationship between understory plant communities and proximity to individual pine trees in dry and mesic pine savannas in frequently burned (1-3 year intervals) and long unburned (>30 years since fire) sites in north central Florida. We recorded the presence and abundance (stem or ramet number) of plant species in 1 m x 1 m plots adjacent to tree boles (basal) or outside crown driplines (open). In addition, we quantified environmental variables, including light transmittance and percent cover of litter, bare ground, and fuel loading classes.