Habitat preferences and functional traits drive longevity in Himalayan high‐mountain plants

Plant lifespan has important evolutionary, physiological, and ecological implications related to population persistence, community stability, resilience ongoing environmental change impacts. Although biologists have long been puzzled over the extraordinary variation in plant its causes, our understanding of interspecific variability key internal external factors influencing longevity remains limited. Here, we demonstrate concurrent impacts environmental, morphological, anatomical constraints on among > 300 vascular dicot species naturally occurring at an elevation gradient (2800–6150 m) western Himalayas. First, show that (ranging from 1 100 years) is largely species' habitat preferences. Ecologically stressful habitats such as alpine subnival host long-lived species, while productive ruderal wetland contain a higher proportion shorter-lived species. Second, influenced by growth form with monocarpic forbs having shortest woody shrubs highest. Small-statured cushion plants compact canopies deep roots, most found cold infertile soils, had chance achieving longevity. Third, traits reflecting adaptations stress disturbance affect differences We are negatively correlated. Slow-growing those reaching high age. Finally, was associated leaf carbon phosphorus, low root phosphorus nitrogen, large bark-xylem ratio. Our findings suggest intricately determined combination preferences form, well rate physiological processes.