Intraspecific Variation and Environmental Determinants of Leaf Functional Traits in Polyspora chrysandra Across Yunnan, China

Plant functional traits (PFTs) serve as key predictors of plant survival and adaptation to environmental gradients. Studies on intraspecific variation in PFTs are crucial for evaluating species' adaptation to projected climate change and developing long-term conservation strategies. This study systematically investigated PFT responses in <i>Polyspora chrysandra</i> (Theaceae, Yunnan, China) through an integrated multivariate analysis of 20 leaf functional traits (LFTs) and 33 environmental factors categorized into geographical conditions (GCs), climate factors (CFs), soil properties (SPs), and ultraviolet radiation factors (UVRFs). To disentangle complex environmental-trait relationships, we employed redundancy analysis (RDA), hierarchical partitioning (HP), and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess direct, indirect, and latent relationships. Results showed that the intraspecific coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 7.071% to 25.650%. Leaf tissue density (LTD), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf fresh weight (LFW), leaf dry weight (LDW), and leaf area (LA) exhibited moderate intraspecific trait variation (ITV), while all other traits demonstrated low ITV. Reference Bulk density (RBD) and Silt emerged as significant factors driving the variation. Latitude (Lat), altitude (Alt), and mean warmest month temperature (MWMT) were also identified as key influences. HP analysis revealed Silt as the most important predictor (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Latent variable analysis indicated descending contribution rates: SPs (31.51%) > GCs (11.52%) > CFs (11.04%) > UVRFs (10.29%). Co-effect analysis highlighted significant coupling effects involving RBD and cation exchange capacity of clay (CECC), as well as organic carbon content (OCC) and UV-B seasonality (UVB2). Path analysis showed SPs as having the strongest influence on leaf thickness (LT), followed by GCs and UVRFs. These findings provide empirical insights into the biogeographical patterns of ITV in <i>P. chrysandra</i>, enhance the understanding of plant environmental adaptation mechanisms, and offer a theoretical foundation for studying community assembly and ecosystem function maintenance.