These are datasets in csv format for ultramafic and non-ultramafic sampling sites where specific leaf area (SLA) was collected in five climatically diverse regions: Puerto Rico (tropical wet), Costa Rica (tropical dry), South Africa (subtropical), California and Lesbos (both with Mediterranean climate). The datasets include plant species level mean SLA values, regional coordinates, regional climate data, bioclimatic variables for individual sites, and a joined dataset that includes site level coordinates and climate variables. The R script to reproduce all analyses and figures is also included.