Metabolomic Responses of Cupressus gigantea Roots to Aridity

This dataset presents comprehensive root metabolomics data of Cupressus gigantea—an endangered coniferous tree species endemic to the arid river valleys of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Metabolomic profiling was performed to characterize metabolite compositions, variations along aridity gradients, and their correlations with core environmental factors (climate, drought, spatial distance).Key dataset components include:
Metabolite identification and quantification: A total of 837 annotated metabolites, including lignin-like compounds (55–60% of total), flavonoids (5–10%), phenylpropanoids (5–10%), and key stress-responsive metabolites (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, sinapyl alcohol). Raw and normalized peak intensities for all identified metabolites are provided.Gradient variation data: Metabolite concentration changes across aridity gradients, with a focus on gradient-specific distribution patterns of functional metabolites (e.g., flavonoids and phenylpropanoids associated with drought resistance).Environmental correlation data: Correlation matrices between metabolites (and metabolite clusters 2 and 5) and environmental factors, including climate variables (mean annual temperature [MAT], ultraviolet index [UVI], surface temperature [TS], solar shortwave radiation downward [SSRD]), drought factors (potential evapotranspiration [PET], mean annual precipitation [MAP], aridity index [AI]), and spatial factors (Distance from river [DPRS], Elevation difference between sampling site and river surface [EDPRS]).