Vegetation plot and trait data from phonolitic and basaltic rocks on La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain)

Geodiversity promotes biodiversity by increasing habitat heterogeneity. In times of a global biodiversity decline, data about diversity on such geological elements gains importance, also regarding conservation and restoration. In the Canary Islands, phonolitic rocks are geological elements of volcanic origin that represent additional habitat for species. In the southern part of the island La Palma, phonolite rocks can be encountered in matrices of young lava. We provide biotic and abiotic records from 60 plots of 2 m × 2 m, sampled on phonolitic and neighbouring basaltic outcrops at four different sites that cover a wide environmental gradient. The recorded parameters were species abundances (percentage cover), plant individuals' frequency (number of plant individuals per plot and species), plant growth height (in cm), and canopy diameter (in cm). Additionally, lichen cover (percentage cover) was estimated. To describe site specific characteristics, we recorded plot surface dynamics (3D rock surface), aspect, and inclination. This data set covers vegetation and trait data comparing phonolites and basalts on La Palma. It can be used for island biogeography, vegetation ecology and conservation sciences to help support fundamental research related to insular biodiversity and endemism, and to identify priority areas for protection and preservation in the Canary Islands.