Aboveground-trait variations in 11 (sub)alpine plants along a 1000-m elevation gradient in tropical Mexico

With the aim to explore how plants acclimate elevation changes in understudied (sub)alpine tropics we tested two hypotheses along a 1000-m gradient Mexico: (H1) due severe increase abiotic constraints at higher elevations, functional traits of plant species will converge toward more resource conservation, and (H2) specific growth forms biogeographic origins present may influence interspecific trait variation gradient. We measured five aboveground traits: leaf area (SLA), dry-matter content (LDMC), thickness, height, 11 representing four forms: rosette, tussock grass, shrub tree soil microclimate. Microclimatic data revealed steep decrease water elevations. Across all individuals, SLA, height decreased with elevation, whereas LDMC thickness increased, which revealing adjustments towards conservation line H1. Consistently H2, that were characteristic tropical alpine regions (tussock grasses erect shrubs) less sensitive compared generalist such as forbs. In addition, within form “rosette” origin changed those Holarctic did not. Our indicate convergence improved be influenced partially by biogeographical species.