She shan yang nai zi
Elaeagnus argyi

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2-3 m tall. It may or may not lose its leaves depending on climate. It usually has spines. The young branches are bright green. They have yellowish-white scales. The leaf stalks are yellowish-brown and 5-7 mm long. The leaves have 2 forms depending on season. The leaves in spring are small and 1-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are thin and papery. The leaves in autumn are larger and broadly oval. They are 6-10 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. Underneath they are white with brown dots. The flowers are usually in groups of 5-7. They are near the base of new growing branches. The flowers are yellow and thick and have silvery and light yellow scales. The fruit are fleshy and red when ripe. The are oval and 1.5 cm long by 0.6 cm wide. They have silvery scales.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows in China between 100-300 m altitude in the eastern central provinces.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China

How it is used for food

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In China plants flower in January to March and fruit April to May.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Elaeagnus chekiangensis Matsuda; Elaeagnus schnabeliana Handel-Mazzetti;