Preface: A unified understanding of macrophyte ecology and adaptations: plant functional traits and trait-based approaches.

The editorial in Hydrobiologia discusses the importance of studying functional traits in macrophytes to understand their adaptations and responses to ecological drivers. The paper highlights the need for functional trait ecology to bridge knowledge gaps and address the global crisis of vanishing macrophytes. Various studies presented in the editorial explore the impact of light quality, individual-level functional diversity, alien macrophytes, and intraspecific trait variation in different ecosystems, providing valuable insights for ecological management. The research emphasizes the significance of investigating macrophyte functional traits to enhance our understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the services they provide. [Extracted from the article]