Each plant exhibits a diverse array of functional traits, collaboratively aiding adaptation to the complex and ever-changing external environment. The intricate interplay among these varied functional traits profoundly mirrors the adaptive strategies of plants, encompassing survival, growth, and reproduction, along with their mechanisms for responding to environmental changes. Currently, the majority of studies are limited to examining the variation of individual traits, relationships between pairs of traits, or interrelations among specific sets of traits. Multidimensional thinking and its quantitative methods remain scarce in research on plant functional traits, thereby hindering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted adaptive mechanisms of plants. Traditional analytical approaches, including correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), path analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM), are employed to elucidate the intricate relationships among various functional traits. To address this scientific challenge, researchers indicatively introduced the concept of multidimensional network analysis, leading to the development of the theoretical framework known as "Plant Trait Networks" (PTNs). PTNs are defined as multidimensional networks composed of interrelationships among various functional traits. They characterize the complex relationships among plant functional traits through the overall features or node characteristics of the network, thereby revealing the responses and adaptation pathways of individuals, functional groups, and communities to environmental changes or disturbances. Building upon this foundation, researchers have identified five overarching network parameters and four node parameters for PTNs, delineating their physiological and ecological significance. The overall network parameters are employed to reflect the connectivity and complexity of the network, while the node parameters of the PTNs are utilized to identify hub traits within the network. Plant functional trait network analysis has the potential to capture and visualize relationships among multiple plant functional traits in a multidimensional manner, offering a novel perspective for understanding how plants respond to environmental or resource changes. This paper introduces the concepts, theories, parameters, and methodologies of PTNs, integrating data from forest transects in the eastern region of China and global leaf functional trait datasets. It elaborates on the scientific and adaptive aspects of PTNs from various perspectives. Through a thorough interpretation of the conceptual framework, theoretical significance, and potential challenges in plant functional trait networks, coupled with integrating the latest advancements, this paper aims to refine the conceptual underpinnings of plant functional trait networks through extensive discourse. Ultimately, the objective is to provide innovative solutions for investigating plants' multidimensional adaptive mechanisms at different scales and their responses to global change, thereby advancing the field of plant functional traits.