The role of leaf and root functional traits in the Espeletiinae (Asteraceae) radiation

There is a more pronounced variation in leaf traits among co-occurring species, suggesting a potential ecological diversity driver. We propose that there is convergence and stabilization of traits, given the colonization of similar habitats by species belonging to Espeletiinae. We highlight the need for studying the role of other functional traits in the ecological differentiation of species within this group to elucidate how they coexist and cope with environmental conditions of the páramo.