Replication Data for Distribution of Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia in Tunisia and intraspecific variation of seed morphophysiological traits along climatic gradients

This dataset gathers geographical information for the distribution sites of Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia in Tunisia in 2020, as well as climatic data and seed morpho-physiological traits associated with the 18 main populations identified. In order to identify adaptations to local environments that may reflect ecological strategies for stress avoidance and seed survival, we tested whether seed functional traits vary, in Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia, along climatic gradient within its southern range of distribution, at the edge of arid areas, in Tunisia. An updated survey on the distribution of Q. ilex in Tunisia allowed to characterize the bioclimates of the main populations. We have measured variations for seed morphological traits, desiccation sensitivity level, germination and shoot emergence rates under controlled conditions, among 18 populations of Q. ilex sampled over the entire Tunisian distribution of the species. We have explored the relationships between observed variations in seed traits and climate factors. Contents The Excel file "Data_Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_2020.xls" used in Amimi et al. includes 5 sheets: Sheet 1 ("Info_legend"): description of the variables used; sheet 2 ("Quercus ilex coordinates"): geographical coordinates, elevation of Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia distribution sites in Tunisia; sheet 3 ("Measured_data"): Locations of the 18 source populations for Quercus ilex in Northern Tunisia, and their main associated climate characteristics, as well as variation in morphological and physiological traits of seeds and acorns among the 18 Tunisian Holm oak populations studied ; sheet 4 ("Analyzed_data1"): Cross-correlation matrix between seed morphophysiological traits; sheet 5 ("Analyzed_data2"): Correlation matrix between seed morphophysiological traits and climatic variables at the site of harvest. The file "Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_Info_legend.tsv" (text format, tabulated data) describes the variables used. The file "Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_Quercus_ilex_coordinates.tsv" includes geographical coordinates, elevation of Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia distribution sites in Tunisia. The file "Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_Measured_data.tsv" includes locations of the 18 source populations for Quercus ilex in Northern Tunisia, and their main associated climate characteristics, as well as variation in morphological and physiological traits of seeds and acorns among the 18 Tunisian Holm oak populations studied. The file "Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_Analyzed_data1.tsv" includes correlation matrix between seed morphophysiological traits and climatic variables at the site of harvest. The file "Quercus_ilex_Tunisia_Analyzed_data2.tsv" includes Cross-correlation matrix between seed morphophysiological traits.