Lanceolate-leaved elaeagnus
Elaeagnus lanceolata
Family: Elaeagnaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 4 m high. The branches have a greyish covering. The leaves are almost leathery and sword shaped. They are 3-9 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They taper to the tip and are rounded at the base. They are shiny above and have dense brown scales underneath. The flowers occur singly or in groups. They are tube shaped and 7-10 mm long by 2-3 mm wide. There are 4 lobes at the end. The fruit is oblong and 1-2 m long by 6-7 mm wide. They are red and have brown scales.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in central and western China. It grows in valley forests between 300-2,900 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China
How it is used for food
The mature ripe fruit are edible.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In China plants flower in August to October and fruit April to May.
Its other names
Local names
Si wo