Millaa Millaa, Bastard oleaster
Elaeagnus latifolia

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

A woody climber. It can be 3-4 m long. It can be a shrub. It has long straggling stems. The leaves are alternate. The young leaves have a silvery covering of white hairs. The leaves have rusty scales which show up in older leaves. The flowers have small white petals. The fruit are 2 cm long and red when ripe. They have one seed.

There are 45 Elaeagnus species. Fruit are quite high in Vitamin C.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in subtropical and temperate regions in the Himalayas. It grows between 700-2,300 m altitude. It grows in swampy regions. It can grow to hardiness zone 9. Melbourne Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Cuba, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are sweet and sour in taste. They are used for tarts and jellies. They are also used for pickles. They can be cooked and sweetened with sugar.

The fruit are sold in markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They can be grown from cuttings.

A fruit can weigh 9 g. The yields can be 9-155 kg per plant. In NE India plants flower and fruit November to May. In Sikkim March to May.

Its other names

Local names

Ambgul, Bhadrasey, Bonjara, Buiehthei, Chishoshikajii, Chhokhua, Durenan besar, Ghiwan, Goeli, Guara, Hari, Hittele, Hmangu, Hunaseballi, Kayalampuvalli, Kolungai, Kulari, Loharu, Malindo, Maloh, Matau, Muslendi, Nildook, Nurgi, Pechuchudi, Saring, Shoushi-ajii, Sibsagar, Sohlyngi, Soh-shang, Sokua, Ta-htu-moo, Thong-za

Synonyms

Elaeagnus kologa subsp. ceylanica Servett.; Elaeagnus punctata Schltdl.; Elaeagnus rotundifolia Servett.; Elaeagnus thwaitesii Schltdl.; ? Now Elaeagnus triflora; See Elaeagnus infundibularis;