Goat nipple
Elaeagnus glabra
Family: Elaeagnaceae
What it is like
A sprawling shrub. It does not have thorns. It grows 6 m tall. The young branches are shiny brown. The leaves are narrow and dark green above and with brown scales underneath. The flowers are fragrant. The fruit are orange with silver speckles. They are on long slender stalks.
There are 45 Elaeagnus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in thickets at about 2,200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds, leaves
How it is grown
In China plants flower in September to November and fruit April to May.
Its other names
Local names
Bolttu