Life-history characteristics and climate correlates of dioecious plant species in central southern Australia

Context The proportion of dioecious species can vary considerably among climates and habitats. However, studies often involve isolated communities or large diverse areas fail to capture how proportions across landscapes. Aims To identify (1) life-history associations terrestrial plant in central southern Australia, (2) whether dioecy varies spatially (3) is correlated with and/or climate factors. Methods Species growth form, pollination mechanisms seed-dispersal features were extracted from herbarium databases determine potential dioecy-linked traits. Distribution data for native 66 Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation Australia subregions the Australasian Virtual Herbarium calculate total richness that are dioecious. Climate each subregion also obtained Terrestrial Ecology Research Network investigate relationships climate, traits dioecy. Key results Woodiness, abiotic endozoochory more prevalent than non-dioecious taxa. Proportion ranged 1.7% 8.5% negatively annual temperature range, January March rainfall precipitation seasonality average daily mean, minimum, maximum minimum temperature. highest-ranked models incorporated additive effects relative woody either ranges, Conclusions Dioecy was associated woodiness, endozoochory, line other flora, model stable range woodiness being Implications Areas higher be targeted future investigations into ecology aid conservation ecosystem management.