Functional traits of riparian trees in the lower Fitzroy River, Western Australia

Riparian trees are critically important for maintaining the ecological function of freshwater ecosystems. Globally, anthropogenic changes to water regimes impacting health and distribution riparian trees. Understanding physiological constraints on tree species in relation regime is essential informed resource management that seeks limit impacts To fill an identified knowledge gap Fitzroy River, a significant river wet–dry tropics north-western Australia, we used trait-based approach characterise nine common their along hydrological gradient. We assessed key functional traits related drought flood flows. Leaf mass per unit area (LMA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), foliar carbon (% C) ratio nitrogen (C:N) broadly plant productivity durability may reflect resistance fluvial stress. Traits availability were stem specific density (SSD), mean xylem vessel diameter density, as well δ13C which use efficiency, osmotic potential at full hydration (π100) measure tolerance. found π100, SSD values reflected habitat preferences, with higher lower π100 distributed drier floodplain habitats, compared constrained riverbank. Low close riverbank be indicative aerenchyma tissue response flooding. Differences trait primarily attributed differences between evergreen Myrtaceous deciduous non-Myrtaceous species, rather than preferences. LMA was greatest study associated wetter habitats having lowest values. The physiology northern Australia not described majority species. Our provides insight into strategies both flooding critical step understanding responses future water-take scenarios support evidence-based decision making.