Elaeagnus fragrans

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked^[1]^[2]. 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 6 - 8mm 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.

Fruit

Unknown use

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure.

There are no material uses listed for Elaeagnus fragrans.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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^[3].

Unknown part

Cancer

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame^[4]. 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^[5]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well^[4]. 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^[6]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months^[7].

Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months^[4].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Elaeagnus fragrans. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in this country. It is closely related to E. umbellata and is considered to be no more than a subspecies of that plant by some botanists^[8]. The following details are based on the general information for this genus.

Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained^[9]^[6]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and dry soils^[9]^[6]. Requires a sunny position^[9]^[6]. Tolerates maritime exposure^[6]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus^[10]^[6].

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^[6]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Elaeagnus fragrans. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Elaeagnus fragrans.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies