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: Bastard Oleaster

General Information

Elaeagnus latifolia is a much branched, spreading, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 300cm tall. The stems are often thorny.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and sometimes as a medicine. It is often cultivated on a domestic scale and the fruits are sold in local markets[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Pakistan, India.

Habitat

Swamps; at elevations up to 1,500 metres in the Himalayas[, ]. Forest openings; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,600 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Elaeagnus latifolia is a plant of the subtropical and warm temperate zones, though it can also be found at higher elevations in the tropics.
Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[]. Prefers a soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor soils and in dry soils[, ].
Plants can commence fruiting when around 2 years old[].
Plants can yield 10 - 15 kilos of fruit annually[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].
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 or cooked[, ]. Acid and somewhat astringent[, ], it is mainly used in preserves, pies etc[]. Another report describes it as acid and pleasantly refreshing[]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[]. The fruit can range in size from 24 - 39mm long and 10 - 30mm wide[]; it contains a single large seed[].

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[].

Medicinal

The flowers are astringent and cardiac[, ].

The fruit is astringent[, ].

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[].

Agroforestry Uses:

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

Other Uses

The wood is a good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[, ]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, 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 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, mid summer in a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, autumn in a frame[]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].