South China oleaster, Hanging lantern berry
Elaeagnus loureiri
Family: Elaeagnaceae
What it is like
An climbing evergreen shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The branches are wrinkled and have brown scales. There are also stout thorns. The leaves are oblong and 4-9 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They taper to the tip and are rounded at the base. There are scales underneath. The flowers occur singly. They are 12 mm long and 6-8 mm wide. The fruit is narrowly oval and 2 cm long by 8 mm wide. They are red when ripe.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the dry season in deciduous forests in southern China. It grows in mountain forests between 500-2,100 m above sea level. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In China plants flower in October to December and fruit April to May.