This dataset contains leaf color information for the subalpine zone of the island La Réunion. It includes species name, species color, species cover, plant (leaf) color, soil color (colors measured with the Munsell color system), leaf length, leaf width, site specific information... in a format of 3 transects of each 20 m. Cover values are measured with the line intercept method.

Presence/absence data for vascular plant species and their endemic category along an elevational gradient about 1500 m (starting at 2000 m. a.s.l. towards the Mulhacén summit at 3480 m. a.s.l.). Period of field survey has been 15.07.2016 to 15.09.2016. 20 vegetation plots in total (hexagonal plot design, plot = 23,8 m², divided into 6 subplots and 3 further sub-subplots). Estimated cover in % of vegetation, open soil, percentage of rocks, stones, sand and litter per subplot. Leaf colours (measured by the Munsell colour chart) were taken for the dominant species within each plot. A magnet was buried in the centre of each plot for further re-identification.