DOI: 10.5061/dryad.6d5c3s9
title: Data from: Architectural differences associated to functional traits among 45 coexisting tree species in central Africa

description: 1. Architectural traits that determine the light captured in a given
 environment are an important aspect of the life-history strategies of
 tropical tree species. In this study, we examined how interspecific
 variation in architectural traits is related to the functional traits of
 45 coexisting tree species in central Africa. 2. At the tree level, we
 measured tree diameter, total height and crown dimensions for an average
 of 30 trees per species (range 14–72, total 968 trees) distributed over a
 large range of diameters (up to 162 cm). Using log-log models, we fitted
 species-specific allometric relationships between tree diameter, height
 and crown dimensions. At the species level, we derived architectural
 traits (height and crown dimensions) at 15 cm and maximum diameters from
 species-specific allometries. The architectural traits were then related
 to functional traits, including light requirements, wood density, leaf
 habit, and dispersal mode. 3. Among the 45 coexisting tree species, we
 identified strong variations in height and crown allometries, along with
 architectural traits derived from these species-specific allometries.
 There was a positive correlation among architectural traits, suggesting
 that large-statured canopy species were taller and had larger and deeper
 crowns than small-statured understory species at all ontogenic stages. The
 relationships between architectural and functional traits highlighted a
 continuum of species between the large-statured canopy species and the
 small-statured understory species. In this moist and seasonal forest,
 large-statured canopy species tended to be light-demanding,
 wind-dispersed, deciduous and large contributors to forest biomass (high
 basal area), while small-statured understory species tended to be
 shade-tolerant, animal-dispersed, evergreen and most abundant in terms of
 stem density. 4. Our results highlighted strong architectural differences
 among coexisting tropical tree species in central Africa. The
 relationships between architectural and functional traits provided
 insights into the life-history strategy of tropical tree species.
description: Architectural
 differences associated to functional traits among 45 coexisting tree
 species in central AfricaArchitectural traits
 that determine the light captured in a given environment are an important
 aspect of the life-history strategies of tropical tree species. In this
 study, we examined how interspecific variation in architectural traits is
 related to the functional traits of 45 coexisting tree species in central
 Africa. At the tree level, we measured tree diameter, total height and
 crown dimensions for an average of 30 trees per species (range 14–72,
 total 968 trees) distributed over a large range of diameters (up to 162
 cm). Using log-log models, we fitted species-specific allometric
 relationships between tree diameter, height and crown dimensions. At the
 species level, we derived architectural traits (height and crown
 dimensions) at 15 cm and maximum diameters from species-specific
 allometries. The architectural traits were then related to functional
 traits, including light requirements, wood density, leaf habit, and
 dispersal mode. Among the 45 coexisting tree species, we identified strong
 variations in height and crown allometries, along with architectural
 traits derived from these species-specific allometries. There was a
 positive correlation among architectural traits, suggesting that
 large-statured canopy species were taller and had larger and deeper crowns
 than small-statured understory species at all ontogenic stages. The
 relationships between architectural and functional traits highlighted a
 continuum of species between the large-statured canopy species and the
 small-statured understory species. In this moist and seasonal forest,
 large-statured canopy species tended to be light-demanding,
 wind-dispersed, deciduous and large contributors to forest biomass (high
 basal area), while small-statured understory species tended to be
 shade-tolerant, animal-dispersed, evergreen and most abundant in terms of
 stem density. Our results highlighted strong architectural differences
 among coexisting tropical tree species in central Africa. The
 relationships between architectural and functional traits provided
 insights into the life-history strategy of tropical tree
 species.Data_chek.xlsx