Elaeagnus latifolia, Elaeagnus conferta and Elaeagnos triflora are sometimes treated as three distinct species and sometimes as a single entity (under Elaeagnus latifolia). There is also disagreement over the range of the species, with Elaeagnus latifolia variously stated to be native to the Indian Continent or to continental southeast Asia[]. In this treatment the three are treated as distinct, following the Flora Malesiana[].
Many taxa in this genus are separated only by quantitative characters, and better information on population variation is likely to lead to a significant reduction in the number of species recognized. Indeed, recent studies (Du, Fl. Yunnan. 12: 749-776. 2006) suggest that some species of Elaeagnus should be combined[].

Common Name:

General Information

Elaeagnus conferta is a straggling, evergreen shrub, often climbing into other plants and growing up to 12 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as a fruit crop in gardens and can also be used as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Dense forests from sea level to 2,100 metres in China[]. Bamboo and mixed deciduous forests, also in evergreen forests; at elevations from 400 - 2,000 metres in Malaysia[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils[, ].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].
The flowers are highly scented[].
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[]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The orange-red fruit is juicy and delicious when fully ripe, though still acid[].They are eaten fresh, usually with sugar, or are used in preparing sweet drinks[]. The fruit is up to 4cm long and 2cm wide[].

Seed - raw or cooked. A flavour somewhat resembling a peanut, it is rather nice if eaten with the fruit, although the fibrous seed case would have to be spat out afterwards[].

Medicinal

The fruit pulp, roots, and leaves are used medicinally[].

The fruits and flowers are used to treat sores and ulcers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants are very tolerant of trimming and can be grown as a fairly large, dense hedge[].
The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It should germinate within a few weeks, though it may take 18 months[]. 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[]. (This information on stratification is probably not so appropriate to this species since it does not experience much frost in its native habitat[]). The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[]. 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.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, in a frame[]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[].
Layering takes 12 months[].

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