Data from: Growing at the arid edge: Leaf anatomy variations are more extensive than stems in five Mediterranean species across contrasting moisture regimes-all the raw data of the anatomic measurements

Premise: The Mediterranean region is experiencing increasing aridity,
affecting ecosystems and plant life. Plants exhibit various anatomical
changes to cope with dry conditions, including anatomical changes. This
study focused on five co-occurring Mediterranean plant species namely
Quercus calliprinos, Pistacia palaestina, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhamnus
lycioides, and Phillyrea latifolia in wet and dry sites, investigating
anatomical differences in leaves and xylem. Methods: Leaf analysis
involved stomatal density, stomatal length, Leaf Mass Area (LMA), lamina
composition, quantification of leaf intercellular air spaces (IAS), and
mesophyll cell area exposed to these spaces. Xylem anatomy was assessed
through vessel length and area in branches. Results: In the dry site,
three species showed increased stomatal density and decreased stomatal
length. Four species exhibited increased palisade mesophyll (PM) and
reduced air space volume. In contrast, the phenotypic change in the xylem
was less pronounced, with vessel length remaining unaffected by the site
conditions. Furthermore, vessel diameter decreased in two species.
Intercellular air spaces (IAS) proved to be the most dynamic anatomical
feature. Quercus calliprinos demonstrated the highest anatomical
phenotypic changes, while Rhamnus lycioides exhibited minor changes.
Conclusions: This study sheds light on the variation in anatomical
responses among co-occurring Mediterranean plant species and identifies
the most dynamic traits. Understanding these adaptations provides valuable
insights into the ability of plants to thrive under changing climate
conditions.