Dataset from: On the importance of root traits in seedlings of tropical tree species

Data from: On the importance of root traits in seedlings of tropical tree species Here, we discuss biomass allocation of tropical tree species at the seedling stage, and how they differ between species originating from different vegetation types. We discuss how extreme stressors (drought and fire) can alter biomass allocation patterns as expected under the functional equilibrium hypothesis. Specifically, we tested whether above- and below-ground traits of tropical tree seedlings could explain observed occurrence along gradients of resources (light, water) and defoliation(fire, herbivory). We selected species from the following taxa: Meliaceae, Leguminosae, and Combretaceae, found on the following ecosystems: dry savanna, wet savanna, moist savanna, transition zone, dry forest, wet forest, moist forest. The seedlings grew for 6 months in a greenhouse. The experiment started in June 2015. We measured the following traits: starch concentration; specific root length; mean rooting depth; root mass fraction; leaf area ratio; specific leaf area; leaf size; stem mass fraction; leaf mass fraction; plant weight. The root data was analyzed with WinRHIIZO software. This dataset contains information on all traits for all species included in the experiment (mean and standard deviation values)