Dataset for leaf warming in the canopy of mature tropical trees in Australia

Tropical forests play a large role in the global carbon cycle by annually absorbing about 30% of our annual carbon emissions. However, these forests have evolved under relatively stable temperature conditions and may be sensitive to current climate warming. Few experiments have investigated the effects of warming on large, mature trees to better understand how higher temperatures affect these forests in-situ.

Four mature, late-successional tree species of the Australian tropical rainforest (Endiandra microneura, Castanospermum australe, Cleistanthus myrianthus and Myristica globosa) were selected to warmed leaves in the canopy by 4°C for 8 months (2 leaf heaters per tree canopy on 2-3 individuals). We measured CO2 response curves in two seasons at one temperatures. In addition, temperature response curves of photosynthesis and respiration were measured as well as the critical temperatures for chloroplast function based on chlorophyll fluorescence. These files are provided in excel files with tabs to explain the columns, along with measurements of absolute leaf temperatures of control and warmed leaves over the study period. Meteorological data is also provided.

See Crous et al. (2025) for more information regarding data, results and methods.