| Flower-edible plants are wild or cultivated plants whose flower parts (petals, flower buds, inflorescences) can be used as vegetables. Wenzhou is rich in the resources of flower-edible species in wild plants. Through extensive investigation, the species and cooking methods of flower-edible plants in Wenzhou were catalogued. For three species which have immediate utilization value, propagation and cultivation techniques were developed, and the nutritional quality of edible parts was evaluated for further utilization. This is the first report of nutrient content analysis of Broom (Caragana sinica ) flower. The nutritional and medical value of edible flowers were introduced, and the possibility of future use of flower-edible plants was analyzed. There is about 60 ha of extension. The main results are as follows.Investigation of flower-edible plant resources in Wenzhou Through three years of practical and literature studies, the flower-edible plant species in Wenzhou were investigated comprehensively. The results show, that there are altogether 91 species (wild or cultivated), belonging to 30 families of flower-edible plants in Wenzhou. Bean, mallow (malvaceae), rose (rosaceae), chrysanthemum (composite), and lily are among the most common families. The processing method and medical value of the species were also collected Some of the species have practical value, such as caragana, hibiscus, chrysanthemum, wisteria, gardenia, and their botanical characteristics and edible and economical value were investigated and the possibility of future use analyzed.Propagation and cultivation research Propagation and cultivation techniques were developed for the three species - broom, edible chrysanthemum (Dendranthema morifolia) and hibiscus (cv. Albus-plenus) , which have immediate utilization values. For broom, several efficient propagation methods were developed and suitable cultivation measures taken based on the observation of its morphology and ecological characteristics. Factors affecting rooting were studied. The results show, IBA is beneficial for rooting at a concentration of 400 ppm, with rooting rate of 94.6%, and average root number of 9.8 per cutting; and the substrate variety used for stem planting also affects rooting efficiency. The best substrate for broom is river sand, followed by mountain soil and perlite. Thetime and humidity are the other two factors studied. For edible chrysanthemum, flower yield was compared between the two varieties, Japanese Summer Chrysanthemum No. 1 and Japanese Summer Chrysanthemum No. 2, and factors affecting yield and anthesis studied. The results show, that the yield of No. 2 is 26% higher than No. 1. The appropriate density and stage of transplanting were determined. The highest total yield was obtained at the spacing of 45cm x 30cm, and the highest yield of first harvest at 45cm x 10cm. Two harvests were possible in one year for the two varieties when transplanted before 15th April. For hibiscus, the best variety for extension was chosen, and appropriate propagation and cultivation techniques developed.Nutritional analysis The nutrient contents (protein, amino acids, fats, ashes, carbohydrates, mineral substances and vitamins) in the flower of broom edible chrysanthemum and hibiscus were analyzed, and compared with common vegetables. The results indicated that broom flower is 50%, 80% and 100% higher in protein, fat and carbohydrate content respectively than the ten vegetables, and the amino acid composition is balanced and the content reaches 1875.55mg/100g, with 37.92% of essential amino acids. The trace element zinc and selenium, and vitamin B2 is significantly higher than the ten common vegetables. For edible chrysanthemum, the results show that the flower of edible chrysanthemum is comparable to or higher than the five common vegetables in the content of the four principle nutrients (protein, fat, ash content and carbohydrate content). It has a balanced amino acid composition, and is significantly higher in the contents of trace elements- iron, zinc and sel... |
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