Elaeagnus x reflexa

Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[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 contains a single large seed[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[K].

Plant part: Fruit

Plant part: Seed

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.

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^[4].

Product or use: Cancer

Can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure^[1]. It can also be planted in windy gaps under trees in shelterbelts and will in time fill in the gaps and climb into the trees^[1]^[5].

Environment

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, E. pungens x E. glabra.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Light

full sun

Shade tolerance

permanent shade

Water

moderate

Hardiness

Zone 7+

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

Drought

tolerant

Propagation

Seed - this is a hybrid and it will not breed true from seed. If this is not a problem, then the seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[6]. It should germinate freely within 4 weeks, 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^[8]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well^[6]. 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. Rather slow, but you usually get a good percentage rooting^[6]. June is the best time to take cuttings^[3]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, November in a frame. Leave for 12 months. Fair to good percentage^[6]. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months^[6].

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained^[1]^[2]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils^[1]^[2]. Established plants are drought resistant. Tolerates shade and can be grown under other trees[K]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus^[7]^[2]. 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^[2]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. Fruiting as it does in April and May, this plant has excellent potential as a fruit crop, it should be fairly easy to selectively breed for improved fruit size and flavour[K]. The small flowers have a strong, pleasant scent that pervades the garden on calm days[K].

References

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

↩1 ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

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

↩1 ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

Davis. B. Climbers and Wall Shrubs. Viking. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-670-82929-3

↩

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

↩

Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

↩

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