Phenology, roots and reproductive allocation, but not the LHS scheme, shape ecotypes along an aridity gradient

Our findings highlight ecotypes as a crucial way how species span environmental gradients, yet underpinning their restriction at small spatial scales. In combination, this possibly renders populations more vulnerable to climate change. We draw attention to specific, partly unexpected traits and pose the question whether the Leaf-Height-Seed scheme has limited applicability for intraspecific investigations in drylands.