Ontogenetic reorganization drives persistence in a Himalayan cold-desert perennial

This dataset accompanies the research article "Ontogenetic reorganization drives persistence in a Himalayan cold-desert perennial" by Dolezal et al. (2026). The study investigates ontogenetic changes in biomass allocation, plant morphology, radial growth, nutrient stoichiometry, and root xylem anatomy in Chamaerhodos sabulosa Bunge (Rosaceae), a perennial herb inhabiting cold-arid environments of the Trans-Himalaya. Plants were sampled in August 2017 from a population growing at approximately 4,700 m a.s.l. near Tso Moriri Lake in eastern Ladakh, India. The study examined 318 individuals spanning a range of plant sizes and developmental stages. The accompanying Excel file contains 314 observations and 27 variables representing plant age, biomass, growth, morphological characteristics, biomass allocation, leaf and root nutrient traits, and anatomical tissue composition. The numerical values have undergone standardization and should not be interpreted directly as measurements in their original physical units. The dataset supports analyses of how plant functional traits change with size and age, including shifts in resource acquisition, reproductive investment, root thickening, branching, nutrient concentrations, and tissue organization. These data contribute to understanding developmental strategies that enable perennial plants to persist under chronic cold and drought stress in high-altitude environments. Associated publication: https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.70312