GEMTraits: Plant Functional Traits from 10 Permanent Plots in Peru

GEMTraits is a database containing demographic and functional trait data on trees from ten 1-hectare permanent plots across an elevation transect from 3500m to 200m in southeastern Peru. The data is part of the Global Ecosystems Monitoring Network (GEM) and includes leaf chemistry, morphology, venation, branch architecture, and 3D crown architecture measurements, along with microenvironmental data like vertical light profiles. The database is under embargo, and access requests must be directed to the depositor, Dr. Alexander Shenkin of the University of Oxford.

Use Cases

• Analyzing relationships between plant functional traits and elevation based on data from a 3500m to 200m transect.
• Studying leaf trait variation between sun and shade leaves based on the sampling strategy described.
• Modeling forest structure and light competition using 3D crown architecture and vertical light profile data.
• Investigating links between branch architecture and leaf morphology within individual tree crowns.

Strengths

• Data originates from ten 1-hectare permanent plots, providing a structured spatial sampling framework.
• Includes multiple trait categories: leaf chemistry, morphology, venation, branch architecture, and 3D crown architecture.
• Associated with the established Global Ecosystems Monitoring Network (GEM) and operated by a named research group (ABERG).

Limitations

• The dataset is under embargo, requiring direct contact with the depositor for access.
• Row count, column definitions, and specific file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness is unverified.

Provenance

Source

Global Ecosystems Monitoring Network (GEM), operated by the Andes Biodiversity Ecosystems Research Group (ABERG).

Collection Method

Data collected from ten 1-hectare permanent plots across an elevation gradient.

Geography

Southeastern Peru, across an elevation transect from 3500m to 200m.