Ontogenetic Shifts in Rooting Strategy Enhance the Adaptability of Corethrodendron Fruticosum in Sandy Deserts

Understanding root traits is fundamental for interpreting plant survival strategies and selecting optimal seedling ages for ecological restoration. Corethrodendron fruticosum, a common sand-fixing shrub in China’s arid regions, plays a crucial role in ecosystem stability. However, its ontogenetic root trait dynamics remain poorly understood, limiting non-invasive evaluations. To address this, we combined vegetation surveys with whole-plant excavations of 19 individuals, categorized into small, medium, and large individuals using K-means clustering. Biomass, functional traits, and C, N, P stoichiometry were analyzed to characterize lifecycle-dependent strategies. A significant ontogenetic shift toward belowground allocation occurred as plants matured, as evidenced by the root-to-shoot ratio increasing from 0.35 to 2.09. In mature individuals, coarse roots accounted for > 74