Data from: Angiosperm wood structure: global patterns in vessel anatomy and their relationship to wood density and potential conductivity

Woody stems comprise a large biological carbon fraction and determine
water transport between roots and leaves; their structure and function can
influence both carbon and hydrological cycles. While angiosperm wood
anatomy and density determine hydraulic conductivity and mechanical
strength, little is known about interrelations across many species. We
compiled a global dataset comprising two anatomical traits for 3005 woody
angiosperms: mean vessel lumen area ( ) and number per unit area (N). From
these, we calculated vessel lumen fraction (F = N) and size/number ratio
(S = /N), a new vessel composition index. We examined extent to which F
and S influenced potential sapwood specific stem conductivity (KS) and
wood density (D; dry mass/fresh volume). F and S varied essentially
independently across angiosperms. Variation in KS was driven primarily by
S, and variation in D was virtually unrelated to F and S. Tissue density
outside vessel lumens (DN) must predominantly influence D. High S should
confer faster Ks but incur greater freeze-thaw embolism risk. F should
also affect KS, and both F and DN should influence mechanical strength,
capacitance, and construction costs. Improved theory and quantification
are needed to better understand ecological costs and benefits of these
three distinct dimensions.