Wild olive
Elaeagnus conferta

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

An evergreen thorny plant. It is a woody climber or shrub. It can be 12 m long. The roots are yellow. The branches arch over. The leaves are oblong and 3-6 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The leaves have coppery brown scales underneath. The leaves are shiny on the upper surface and grey underneath. The fruit are round and red when ripe. They are 1.5 cm across. The nut has ribs and is winged.

There are 45 Elaeagnus species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India. It grows in moist deciduous forests. It grows between 1,800-2,300 m above sea level. They grow in forests and on slopes. They are also cultivated. It has been recorded between 400-2,000 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan. In Yunnan in China it grows between 500-1500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for making sweet drinks. They are also used in making pickles. They are acidic and sour.

Fruit are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds. It can also be grown from cuttings.

In China plants flower in October and November and fruit February and March. Also in Nagaland.

Its other names

Local names

Ambgul, Areuj dudurenan, Bapulele, Durenan, Gaihein, Ghaiyeen, Ghayai, Gwai, Kakaduan, Katmunthiringa, Kolaga, Kolungai, Korangu palam, Koranga pazha, Kotarangjang, Kurangupalam, Luan, Malindo, Malot, Manunlang, Mu long ning biu, Muslerhi, Nurgi, Palga, Pavqpeellovniov, Pechuthedo, Salot thao, Snake fruit, Somlot, Sukhwa, Trong-pa-lin, Wuluken, Zaitan hutan

Synonyms

Elaeagnus acuminata Link; Elaeagnus arborea Roxb.; Elaeagnus javanica Blume; and several others