Elaeagnus multiflora ovata

Taxonomy and growth

Family

Elaeagnaceae

Genus

Elaeagnus

Life cycle

perennial

Foliage

deciduous

Woodiness

woody

Growth rate

moderate

Height

3 m

Spread

2 m

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][12][2][3][13][5]}. Pleasantly acid when ripe, they are usually made into pies, preserves etc^[7]. Quite fiddly and difficult to pick without breaking the young shoots^[9], this sub-species carries the fruit on longer stalks than the species and might therefore be easier to pick[K]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[K]. The fruit is about 10mm 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[K].

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^[10].

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure. A hedge in a very exposed position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall was 3.5 metres tall in 1989[K]. Often used as a rootstock for evergreen species that are hard to grow from cuttings. It frequently sprouts from the base and can out-compete the scion^[6].

Ecology and functions

Environment

Range

E. Asia - China and Japan.

Habitat

Thickets and thin woods in hills and on lowland, at elevations of 600 - 1800 metres^[14].

Light

full sun

Shade tolerance

light shade

Water

moderate

Hardiness

Zone 6+

Soil textures

sandy, loamy, clay

Soil pH

acid, neutral, alkaline

Drainage

well drained

Tolerances

high wind, maritime exposure, drought

Wind

Yes

Maritime

Yes

Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil

No

Drought

tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant^[8], it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained^[2][9]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils^[2][9]. Prefers a light sandy loam and a sunny position but succeeds in light shade^[2][9]. Very drought and wind resistant^[1][2][9]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution^[4]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c^[8], but the roots are hardy to -30°c (although top growth will be killed at this temperature). Cultivated for its edible fruit in Japan, there are some named varieties^[12][2][7]. Plants can crop in 4 years from cuttings^[4]. They bear heavily in Britain^[2]. The fruit is well hidden in the shrub and is quite difficult to harvest without damaging the plant[K]. This sub-species produces brown fruits on long stalks^[9], would this be any easier to harvest?[K] This species is notably resistant to honey fungus^[16][9]. Birds love the fruits^[4]. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species. In the on-line version of the Flora of Japan it is referred to as Elaeagnus montana ovata^[11]. 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^[9]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. The small flowers are deliciously scented, their aroma pervading the garden on calm days[K].

Related plants

• Elaeagnus angustifoliaOleaster
• Elaeagnus commutataSilverberry
• Elaeagnus cordifolia
• Elaeagnus formosana

References

1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

   ↩1↩2

2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

   ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

3. Bryan. J. and Castle. C. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing 1976-00-00 ISBN 0-273-00098-5

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4. Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987.

   ↩1↩2↩3

5. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

   ↩

6. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

   ↩

7. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

   ↩1↩2

8. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

   ↩1↩2

9. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

   ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

10. Matthews. V. The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. Royal Horticultural Society 1994-00-00 ISBN 1352-4186

    ↩

11. Flora of Japan www.foj.info

    ↩

12. Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7

    ↩1↩2

13. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

14. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

    ↩

15. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

16. RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00

    ↩

17. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

    ↩