Testing predictions of spatial segregation of the sexes and life-history theory in three species of the dioecious genus Baccharis L. from southeastern Brazil.

ABSTRACT: I report results of a field study testing predictions of life history theory and spatial segregation of the sexes in three dioecious shrub species of Baccharis (L.) that co-occur in the eastern Brazilian Highlands. Baccharis is one of the most speciose genera of dioecious plants, yet the ecological implications of dioecy are poorly understood in the genus. I conducted statistical analyses to evaluate three hypotheses related to: (1) sex ratios and their relationship to spatial environmental gradients, (2) differences in reproductive and vegetative allocation among the sexes and their relationship to environmental gradients, and (3) the potential for notable divergence in response, based on Baccharis biology. I found that one species, B. opuntioides, met almost all theoretical expectations

SUBMITTER: Safford HD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477304 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature