“…We have assumed in this work that (1) the environmental heterogeneity is one of the most important factors to determine species gradient richness (Stein et al, 2014); (2) the rupestrian environments present heterogeneous environmental conditions (Abadia, Lenza, et al, 2018; Schaefer et al, 2016), with rocky outcrops, making them suitable habitat for various species (Abadia et al, 2023; Lemos et al, 2013; Lenza et al, 2011); and (3) a low soil depth, water scarcity and low nutrient availability (Alho et al, 2007; Benites et al, 2007; Messias et al, 2013; Schaefer et al, 2016) can limit species establishment and individual development (Abreu et al, 2012; H. A. Almeida et al, 2018; Dantas et al, 2018). Based on such assumptions, we tested the following hypotheses: (1) the RCEL presents a higher richness of shrub‐tree species compared to the TCRO and the TCEQ due to a greater environmental heterogeneity (micro‐habitats), with increased niche availability and the occurrence possibility among species (Abadia, Lenza, et al, 2018; Adler et al, 2013); and (2) shrub‐tree species in the RCEL present lower SLA and FNC values because of the limiting conditions (de Cássia‐Silva et al, 2017; Maracahipes et al, 2018).…”