Fig. 1
Explicit definitions and value descriptions are needed to reconcile inconsistencies in how researchers align plant phenotypic diversity with particular traits and trait values. (a) For some taxa, for some phenotype observations, all researchers are likely to assign the same observation to the same trait and trait value; (b) For other taxa, the same trait might not be consistently scored, especially without explicit definitions; (c) Some phenotypes will be aligned to different traits or different trait values by different researchers, especially if clear trait and trait value descriptions are not available. Photo credits: Russell Barrett (Corynotheca lateriflora seed); John Cull, iNaturalist (Eucalyptus obliqua leaves); Gillian Kowalick (Eucalyptus croajingolensis cross-section); Dean Nicolle, iNaturalist (Eucalyptus erythronema subsp. erythronema); Elizabeth Wenk (Acacia ulicifolia; Rhaphidophora hayi); Dylan Wishart, iNaturalist (Eucalyptus obliqua fruits); hughberry, iNaturalist (Stylidium lineare).
