Leaf functional traits and environmental conditions of four common nymphaeid species

This dataset includes measures of 21 leaf functional traits of 48 wild populations of four species of nymphaeids: Nuphar lutea, Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea alba and Nymphoides peltata. For each population (plot) coordinates, water depth, pH, specific conductivity, nitrate, dissolved inorganic carbon, dissolved reactive silica, soluble reactive phosphorus, sediment organic matter content and sediment total phosphorus content and sediment density are provided as well. The populations were located in different lake systems in Italy. The dataset includes a legend sheet with information on single traits and environmental variables, including units of measurement.

Structural traits (area, fresh and dry weight, dry matter content and specific area) were measured on 5 leaves from different individuals, while leaf pigments and phosphorus content were measured on 3 leaves. Leaf carbon and nitrogen content were measured on one aliquot of the pooled dried material of all leaves. Therefore, the missing values in the dataset derive from the sampling design of the study. All further information on the methodology used to collect and measure the traits and environmental variables can be found in the related paper ("Ecological and functional niches comparison reveals differentiated resource-use strategies and ecological thresholds in four key floating-leaved macrophytes", Dalla Vecchia et al. 2024, Limnology and Oceanography).