Sex-ratio variations in Acalypha fruiticosa Frosk along plant height and altitude.

The ratio of male to female flowers per inflorescence in Acalypha fruiticosa increases from bottom to top inflorescence of the plant and also along the altitudinal gradient. The increase is due to increase in male flower number per inflorescence. We explain these facultative changes in sex-ratio as fitness optimising strategies of the plant in response to altered success of males from the bottom to the top of the plant and along altitude which is primarily due to changes in pollen donation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]