September 20, 2010
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Southeastern, New Hampshire
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There are three varieties of Chokeberry in New Hampshire: Purple Chokeberry
(Aronia prunifolia). Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) and
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). However, the scientific names
are some sort of botanical nightmare. Some botanists have put Chokeberries
under the genus Photinia with differing species names. Some have put
Chokeberries under the genus Pyrus. It is probably easiest to call
them Chokeberry or Aronia.
One very distinctive identifying feature of the Chokeberry leaves is that they
have tiny black hairs on the midrib (middle vein) of the upper leaf surface.
If you click on and expand the picture on the right (you may have to click a
second time to expand it further), you will see tiny black hairs on the midrib.
The leaves of Chokeberry are alternate. Notice also that the teeth on the leaves are
very small and rounded (crenate). The leaf is smaller at the bottom and wider at the
top. The top of the leaf has a short, pointy tip. The veins start out pinnately at
the middle vein (perpendicular to the middle vein), but then turn upwards and run
parallel to each other and the middle vein (arcuate). The flowers (not shown) are
white with four petals.
Some botanists believe that Purple Chokeberry is a cross between the Black Chokeberry
and the Red Chokeberry. Red Chokeberry has signficant matted hairs on the backs of
the leaves and the flower stems. Black Chokeberry has hairless backs of the leaves
and flower stems. The Purple Chokeberry has some hairs on the backs of the leaves
and a thin gray or white mat of hairs on the flower stem.
Chokeberry is a fruit that can be used to make a pressed juice. The pulp is bitter
so it is best to mash the fruit with Spring water and then press through a bag
such as a jelly bag. The juice can be used to make jelly.
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