Elaeagnus cordifolia

Physical Characteristics

Elaeagnus cordifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. It is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November, and the seeds ripen in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit must be fully ripe before it develops its full flavour, prior to that it is acid and somewhat astringent[K]. The oval fruit is up to 20mm long and 14mm wide, it 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].

Medicinal Uses

Cancer 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[214].

Known Hazards

None known