A trade-off between leaf carbon economics and plant size among mangrove species in Dongzhaigang, China

Plant size is closely linked to its leaf trait characteristics, which are essential for determining its form and function. These relationships constitute a fundamental component of the global spectrum of plant diversity. Despite this, the size-trait relationships in coastal mangroves have often been overlooked, with a common assumption that they would mirror those found in terrestrial tropical trees. However, recent studies have begun to challenge this assumption, revealing unique adaptations and trait variations in mangroves that are influenced by their specific environmental conditions, such as salinity and nutrient availability.
In this research, we investigated the leaf structural traits, plant height, and diameter at breast height or basal height (DBH) of 10 shrub and tree species. This study was carried out along an intertidal gradient within a mangrove forest located in Southeast China.
We found that leaf traits differed significantly between shrubs and trees in their response to..., , , # A trade-off between leaf carbon economics and plant size among mangrove species in Dongzhaigang, China

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.tmpg4f581](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.tmpg4f581)

## Description of the data and file structure

Our uploaded dataset comprises two files: one contains the R code for analysis, and the other consists of the raw data utilized in the analysis. The raw data is divided into two sheets. Sheet1 encompasses 10 distinct species of mangrove plants, with each species represented by 4 replicates, aggregating to a total of 40 sampling plots. For comprehensive descriptions, one should refer to the methods section detailed in the original text. Sheet2 is designated for plotting the data depicted in Supplementary Figure S1. The significance of each abbreviation in the columns is as delineated below.

### Files and variables

#### File: mangroveEE.R

**Description:** R code that supports the study

#### File: mangroveEE.xlsx

**Description:**  originial research da...