Seasonal changes of caloric value and ash content ofButia capitata were studied. The annual average caloric value was in the following order: mature leaves (20.65 kJg-1) > young leaves (19.84 kJg-1) > roots (19.55 kJg-1) > petioles (18.77 kJg-1). The organs showed maximum gross caloric values (GCV) in autumn and minimum ones in winter. Ash free caloric values (AFCV) varied as same as gross caloric values (GCV). The annual average ash content followed the order: roots (5.14%)> petioles (4.33%)> young leaves (4.21%)> mature leaves (3.97%). The ash content was lower in mature leaves, markedly decreased in young leaves during autumn, and then increased during winter. Seasonal changes of ash content in mature leaves were same with those in young leaves. Petioles had much lower ash content than roots during winter. Changes in ash content and caloric value of Butia capitata in different seasons were good energy use strategy for species with high cold resistance to adapt the low temperature.
