Elaeagnus montana
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Elaeagnus genus in the family Elaeagnaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Genus
- Elaeagnus
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- moderate
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[1][4]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The ovoid-ellipsoid fruit is about 1 cm long and contains a single large seed[275, K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous.
- Plant part
- Fruit
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[6].
- Product or use
- Cancer
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.
- Habitat
- In deciduous broad-leaved forests at high elevations in the mountains[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, drought
- Wind
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[8]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months[K]. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help[10]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[8]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a frame[5]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[3]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months[8].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though based on its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following details are based on the general information for this genus. Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[2][5]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and dry soils[2][5]. Requires a sunny position[2][5]. Tolerates maritime exposure. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[9][5]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[5]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Matthews. V. The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. Royal Horticultural Society 1994-00-00 ISBN 1352-4186
Flora of Japan www.foj.info
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00
Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.