Houpoea officinalis (H. officinalis) flowers are rich in a spectrum of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. The availability and balance of mineral elements directly impact the morphogenesis of flower organs, which play pivotal roles in various physiological and biochemical processes that drive flower development. However, relatively little is known about the changes in mineral elements composition that occur during flower development in H. officinalis. The objective of this study is to analyze the variations of 22 mineral elements contents in pistil, stamens, and petals of H. officinalis flower at four development stages. The amount of mineral elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Sn, Al, Ti, Ga, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in these samples was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that H. officinalis flowers are rich in macroelements such as potassium (K, 25.80–48.06 mg/g) and calcium (Ca, 17.27–31.00 mg/g), as well as microelements like zinc (Zn, 445.17–1553.16 μg/g) and iron (Fe, 324.27–622.31 μg/g). Notably, the pistil part is found to harbor a more significant concentration of mineral elements during the early developmental stages of flowers. Correlation analysis and PCA have effectively exposed a pronounced association between the accumulation patterns of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers and their corresponding developmental stages and organs. These findings will provide more detailed information about the accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers at different development stages and organs, which help to encourage researchers to enhance the flower quality for human consumption.

Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Z. armatum) is a versatile plant species valued for its aroma oil and nutritional components. However, the variability of chemical composition in Z. armatum fruits in the field remains largely unknown, and it is still unclear how harvest parameters affect the aroma and nutritional quality of the fruits. To address this gap, Z. armatum fruits from varying harvest times, tree ages, and fruiting positions were analyzed for physicochemical properties, nutrients, minerals, aroma profiles, and antioxidant activity. A quality assessment method was developed based on key Z. armatum fruit parameters. Results showed significant differences in the size, weight, total phenol, flavonoid and sanshool content of Z. armatum fruit from different harvest parameters. Z. armatum fruits contained abundant minerals, showing diverse harvest-condition variations. In vitro antioxidant assays showed higher ABTS/DPPH scavenging activity and reducing capacity (23–54 mg/g). HS-SPME-GC-MS identified 64 aroma compounds, encompassing terpenes, alcohols, etc. Linalool was the predominant constituent (46.65%). PLS-DA and Volcano plot analyses highlighted significant differences in VOCs among harvest times and tree ages, while fruit positions showed minimal impact. The Mantel test identified aroma-active compounds associated with antioxidant activity. These findings facilitate a science-based harvesting strategy to standardize Z. armatum fruit quality and marketability.