In dioecious plant species, there are secondary differences between the sexes. The cause may be the different allocation on reproduction between sexes. Some authors show that reproductive cost affects on vegetative growth, but others show opposite results. It is conceivable that influences by reproduction are different among species. In this study, we investigated reproductive and vegetative characteristics, and translocation of nutrient of Acutinidia Polygama using a shoot-level approach.

Reproductive cost of female was larger than that of male because of large cost for fruit. SLA and N concentration of leaves were different in two sexes at some period, but constant tendency has not been indicated. Lengths of current year's shoot are significantly different between sexes. Translocation of nutrient was examined by removing leaves of individual current year's shoots and of all current year's shoots elongated from last year's branch. In latter case, decrease of fruit set was observed. However, dry weight and N concentration of fruit were not significantly different between two patterns.

In female, reproductive cost is larger than that of male, and consequently vegetative growth may be restricted. Female plants may compensate energy to mature fruits by translocation of nutrient.