Phenotypic diversity of Populus euphratica and its environmental drivers in arid ecosystems
Data files
Oct 22, 2025 version files 175.20 KB
Abstract
This database focuses on the phenotypic diversity of Populus euphratica leaves in arid regions. Populus euphratica is a crucial tree species in arid and semi-arid areas, playing a significant role in maintaining ecological balance. Understanding its leaf phenotypic diversity is essential for studying its adaptation mechanisms to arid environments, genetic evolution, and ecological functions.
Description of the data and file structure
This dataset contains two files: the primary data file in CSV format and this README description file.
The data support the analyses presented in the publication: Wang, R., & Li, Q. (2025). Phenotypic Diversity of Populus euphratica and Its Environmental Drivers in Arid Ecosystems. Journal of Sustainable Forestry, 44(6), 334-349. DOI: 10.1080/10549811.2025.2516066.
File 1: Phenotypic_diversity_of_Populus_euphratica_and_its_environmental_drivers_in_arid_Ecosystems.csv
Description: This is the main data file, containing raw measurements for individual leaf samples from six natural populations of Populus euphratica. Each row corresponds to a single leaf.
Variables:
Population: The abbreviated code for the natural population where the sample was collected.
AKS: Aksai Kazakh Autonomous County, Gansu Province
DH: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province
DLH: Delingha City, Qinghai Province
GEM: Golmud City, Qinghai Province
NMG: Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
XJ: Aksu City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
No.: A unique identifier for each leaf sample. The code is structured as [Prefix][Tree#]-[Aspect]-[Leaf#].
Prefixes used: G (Golmud), A (Aksai), X (Xinjiang), N (Inner Mongolia), DH (Dunhuang), D (Delingha).
Examples:
DH1-N-1 signifies the first leaf from the north side of tree #1 in the Dunhuang population.
D1-N-1 signifies the first leaf from the north side of tree #1 in the Delingha population.
Dry Weight (g): The weight of the leaf after oven-drying, measured in grams (g).
Fresh Weight (g): The weight of the leaf immediately after collection, measured in grams (g).
Thickness (mm): The thickness of the leaf blade, measured in millimeters (mm).
Leaf Area (cm²): The total surface area of one side of the leaf, measured in square centimeters (cm²).
Leaf Perimeter (mm): The length of the leaf's outer edge, measured in millimeters (mm).
Leaf Length (mm): The length of the leaf from the petiole junction to the tip, measured in millimeters (mm).
Leaf Width (mm): The width of the leaf at its widest point, measured in millimeters (mm).
Leaf Length / Leaf Width: The calculated ratio of leaf length to leaf width.
Dry Matter Content (%): Calculated as (Dry Weight / Fresh Weight) * 100.
Specific Leaf Area (cm²/g): Calculated as Leaf Area / Dry Weight.
Leaf Shape Index: Calculated as (Leaf Length / Leaf Width) * 100.
File 2: README.md
Description: This is the explanatory file you are currently reading. It describes the content, structure, and variables of the dataset.
Leaf Shape Classification Criteria
The leaf shape category for each sample is not included in the raw data file but can be determined by the user based on the Leaf Length / Leaf Width ratio, as described in the corresponding publication. The classification criteria are as follows:
Striped leaves: Leaf Length / Leaf Width ≥ 4
Lanceolate leaves: 2 ≤ Leaf Length / Leaf Width < 4
Ovate leaves: 1 ≤ Leaf Length / Leaf Width < 2
Broad-ovate leaves: Leaf Length / Leaf Width < 1