Description of plants and assessment of chemical properties of three species from the Amelanchier genus

Abstract

Recently, the cultivation of plants combining decorative and utilitarian qualities has been gaining in popularity. These plants give tasty fruits of high biological value. Saskatoon is little known in Poland. It is mainly used as an ornamental plant for its flowers and leaves that change colour. The aim of the study was to characterise three species of plants of Amelanchier (A.alnifolia, A.ovalis, A.spicata). The plants grown in the Research Stations (Danowo andRajkowo), locatednear Szczecin, were examined with respect to the size andcolour of their leaves andfruit quality; size, firmness, chemical composition, particularly with regard to the content of bioflavonoids. It was foundthat Saskatoon fruits hadvery low acidity andvitamin C content. A.ovalis hadthe smallest fruits with the highest content of polyphenols. A.spicata was characterisedby the smallest and greenest leaves and relatively big, firm fruits with high extract content and low content of polyphenols and organic acids. The plants of the examinedplant species of Amelanchier are suitable for cultivation in Szczecin and do not indicate any frost damage nor symptoms of disease or pest infestation. The fruits are valuable source of polyphenols and, due to their low content of organic acids, have a mild flavour. The above qualities make them suitable for consumption in the raw state, as distinguished from chokeberries that are very similar in appearance.