Leaf-branch-root trait relationships in <i>Quercus rehderiana</i> across rocky and non-rocky desertification habitats in China

Organ-specific trait decoupling in <i>Quercus rehderiana</i> reveals independent above- and belowground adaptations to water and nutrient limitations, challenging whole-plant economic spectrum assumptions. While consistent in rocky desertification forests, they differ from other ecosystems, highlighting context-dependence. Future research should expand across environmental gradients to disentangle trait relationships. This work highlights multidimensional approaches in functional ecology for understanding plant adaptation.