Leaf traits plus growth and dieback data for cloud forest epiphytes in a cloud exclusion treatment at Wayqecha Biological Station, Peru

Morphological traits [specific leaf area, stomatal length and density, leaf thickness, cuticle thickness and hydrenchymal layer thickness] and physiological traits [stomatal conductance, minimum leaf conductance and foliar water uptake capacity] along with pressure volume curves were measured at the Wayqecha Biological Station, Peru. Vascular epiphytes were sampled from a control plot and fog reduction treatment plot constructed from two 30 m tall aluminum towers, 40 m apart with panels of polyethylene mesh strung between the towers. Measurements of leaf morphological traits were taken in June-July 2022 in the control and treatment plots to assess plasticity to fog reductionin the fifth year of the experiment. Samples of branches and leaves for each individual approximately 1-2 meters off the ground were collected in the plot, close enough to the curtain to maximize any effects of fog interception. Growth and dieback data were also collected species of vascular and non-vascular epiphytes attached to wooden transplant boards in the control and treatment plot in 2017. Rates of growth and dieback were recorded for vascular epiphytes from 2017-2019 and for non-vascular epiphytes from 2018-2019. The 2017 data collection took place in November while data for 2018 and 2019 were collected in June.