Traits are indispensable to quantify the functional diversity of plots and to explore the existence of functional groups. Furthermore, functional diversity, in addition to species richness, can be used as alternative explanatory variable for biodiversity effects. In each Comparative Study Plot leaves of the occuring herb species were sampled to analyse important leaf traits. In this context “traits” are defined as the measurable biological characteristics that in total make up the phenotype of an individual plant.All measurements for each individual were performed at the same leaves. -- Mind that these are traits for herb and fern species only and that the herb layer of the CSPs consists to a partly large part of woody species which are not considered here.

The CSPs were established in May - June 2008 in the Gutianshan Nature Reserve as well as outside the Nature Reserve. The CSPs have a size of 30 x 30 metres and are exposed to the north. The central plot hold a size of 10 x 10 metres and is situated in the centre.

The study was performed in the 27 Comparative Study Plots (CSPs) in Gutianshan Nature Reserve. 29°08'-29°17'N 118°02'-118°11'E

04-07/2008

Only ferns and herb species occuring in the CSPs are included in the analyses.

Functional trait identity or diversity on the plot level would still need the traits of the woody plants of the herb layer. Some of the species were subjected to glasshouse experiments and traits may be available from Martin Böhnke, SP3.