Anatomical trait variation across root orders shapes the distinct root economics space of herbaceous monocots and dicots

The trait-based root economics space provides a useful framework for understanding the nutrient acquisition strategies across species. However, it remains poorly understood how differences in anatomical features across root branching orders shape the root economics space. We measured order-based resource economics and anatomical traits of absorptive roots of 32 perennial herbaceous monocots and dicots in a temperate steppe and examined the trait coordination across root orders to gain insights into the nutrient acquisition strategies of herbaceous grassland plants. We found that differences in proportion of cortex in root cross-section and secondary growth drive variation in the root economics space across root orders of herbaceous species. In monocots, the absence of secondary growth resulted in comparably consistent trait coordination across root orders. Specifically, the gradient of root collaboration with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal constituted the main dimension of root trai..., , # Data from: Anatomical trait variation across root orders shapes the distinct root economics space of herbaceous monocots and dicots

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvx9](10.5061/dryad.hdr7sqvx9)

## Description of the data and file structure

Order-based root morphological, chemical, and anatomical traits of 32 perennial herbaceous monocots and dicots in a temperate steppe

### Files and variables

#### File: Data_Dryad-Zhou_et_al.-JEcol-2025.xlsx

**Description:** 

##### Variables

* Root diameter
* Specific root length (m g ^-1^)
* Root tissue density (g cm ^-3^)
* Root nitrogen content (%)
* Mycorrhizal colonization rates (%)
* Cortex thickness: root diameter ratio (unitless)

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