TREFL database: Traits of the Reunion flora

Plant traits are closely linked to species distribution patterns and community assembly processes. Trait-based approaches allows scientists to understand and predict how plant communities may respond to disturbances such as biological invasions, land-use changes, and climate variability. This dataset compiles data on leaf morphological traits (leaf area, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, SLA, LDMC), leaf chemical composition (N, C, P, K, Ca, Mg), life-history traits (life form and maximum height), seed characteristics (mass, number per fruit) and a range of other ecological (pollinators, seed dispersers, climatic preference) and biogeographical attributes (nativeness, endemism) for > 200 native and alien vascular plant species of Reunion Island. Infraspecific taxa were grouped at the species level. The database includes both primary data (leaf traits measured on > 4,000 leaves), personal communications from botanists and secondary data derived from a variety of local and global resources to which we refer in the database. Protocols are also detailed in each resource.