Doukhiguti
Elaeagnus pyriformis
Family: Elaeagnaceae
What it is like
A woody climbing shrub. It can be spiny. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaves are sword shaped and 4-14 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The leaf underneath is covered with a silvery white coat. The flowers can occur singly or in clusters. The fruit are pear shaped. They are yellow when ripe and covered with copper coloured scales. The fruit are 1 cm long. They have one large seed.
There are 45 Elaeagnus species.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It can grow in acid soils low in nutrients. The soil needs to be well-drained. It can tolerate drought.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Northeastern India
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for jam. The unripe fruit are very sour and used for pickles.
Fruit are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed. The seed can be slow to germinate. Given the seed some warm treatment for 4 weeks then cold treatment for 12 weeks helps improve germination. Plants can be grown from large currings.
In NE India plants flower and fruit November to April.
Its other names
Local names
Buiehthei, Chishoshikatii, Dablut sitai, Dieng-soh-blor, Doukhiguti, Heiyai, Kotarangjang, Maza sok bizi, Ruunochu, Sar-zuk-te, Sarzukpui, Shoushi, Srzu kung