× Sorbaronia fallax, synonyms including × Sorbaronia mitschurinii and Aronia × mitschurinii, is an artificial hybrid between Aronia melanocarpa and Sorbus aucuparia.[1][2] Before genetic testing, it was thought to be a hybrid among cultivars of Aronia melanocarpa, common ones including 'Viking' and 'Nero'.[3][4] It has been suggested that × Sorbaronia fallax is the product of Russian pomologist Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin's early 20th-century experiments in wide hybridizations.[4]
Description
This species is more robust than wild populations of Aronia melanocarpa; the leaves are broader, and the fruits larger.[3][2] It is tetraploid[2] and self-fertile.[5]
Uses
× Sorbaronia fallax has historically seen extensive cultivation in the former Soviet Union[6] as its large fruits are suitable for juice, wine, and jam-making, and because they are self-fertile, requiring only one plant to produce fruit.[5]
Like Aronia species, the fruit is used as a flavoring or colorant for beverages or yogurts.[5] Juice from the ripe berries is astringent, sweet (with high sugar content), sour (low pH), and contains vitamin C.[citation needed] In addition to juice, the fruit can be baked into soft breads.[5]
