Elaeagnus

Life-forms

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Rosids
Cladus: Eurosids I
Ordo: Rosales

Familia: Elaeagnaceae
Genus: Elaeagnus
Sectiones: E. sect. Commutatae – E. sect. Elaeagnus

Species overview: E. angustata – E. angustifolia – E. annamensis – E. arakiana – E. argyi – E. bambusetorum – E. bockii – E. bonii – E. calcarea – E. caudata – E. cinnamomifolia – E. commutata – E. conferta – E. courtoisii – E. davidii – E. delavayi – E. difficilis – E. elongatus – E. epitricha – E. fasciculata – E. formosana – E. formosensis – E. fruticosa – E. geniculata – E. glabra – E. gonyanthes – E. griffithii – E. grijsii – E. guizhouensis – E. henryi – E. heterophylla – E. hunanensis – E. indica – E. infundibularis – E. jiangxiensis – E. jingdongensis – E. kanaii – E. lanceolata – E. lanpingensis – E. laosensis – E. latifolia – E. liuzhouensis – E. longiloba – E. loureiroi – E. luoxiangensis – E. luxiensis – E. macrantha – E. macrophylla – E. magna – E. maritima – E. matsunoana – E. maximowiczii – E. micrantha – E. mollis – E. montana – E. multiflora – E. murakamiana – E. numajiriana – E. obovatifolia – E. obtusa – E. oldhamii – E. ovata – E. pallidiflora – E. parvifolia – E. pilostyla – E. pingnanensis – E. pungens – E. pyriformis – E. × reflexa – E. retrostyla – E. rivularis – E. rotundata – E. sarmentosa – E. schlechtendalii – E. songarica – E. stellipila – E. × submacrophylla – E. takeshitai – E. taliensis – E. tarokoensis – E. thunbergii – E. tonkinensis – E. tricholepis – E. triflora – E. tubiflora – E. tutcheri – E. umbellata – E. viridis – E. wenshanensis – E. xichouensis – E. xingwenensis – E. xizangensis – E. yakusimensis – E. yoshinoi
Source(s) of checklist:

Hassler, M. 2020. Elaeagnus. World Plants: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World In: Roskovh, Y., Abucay, L., Orrell, T., Nicolson, D., Bailly, N., Kirk, P., Bourgoin, T., DeWalt, R.E., Decock, W., De Wever, A., Nieukerken, E. van, Zarucchi, J. & Penev, L., eds. 2020. Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life. Published online. Accessed: 2020 Apr 08. Reference page.

Name

Elaeagnus L. (1753)

Type species: E. angustifolia L.

Synonyms

Homotypic
Oleaster Heist. ex Fabr., Enum. 214. 1759.

References
Primary references

Linnaeus, C. 1753. Species plantarum, exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas. Tomus I. Pp. [I–XII], 1–560. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae [Stockholm]. BHL Reference page. : 121.

Additional references

Tzvelev, N.N. 2002: On the genera Elaeagnus and Hippophaë (Elaeagnaceae) in Russia and adjacent states. Botanicheskiĭ Zhurnal 87(11): 74–86.

Links

Hassler, M. 2020. Elaeagnus. World Plants: Synonymic Checklists of the Vascular Plants of the World In: Roskovh, Y., Abucay, L., Orrell, T., Nicolson, D., Bailly, N., Kirk, P., Bourgoin, T., DeWalt, R.E., Decock, W., De Wever, A., Nieukerken, E. van, Zarucchi, J. & Penev, L., eds. 2020. Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life. Published online. Accessed: 2020 Apr 08. Reference page.
Govaerts, R. et al. 2020. Elaeagnus in Kew Science Plants of the World online. The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published online. Accessed: 2020 Apr 08. Reference page.
International Plant Names Index. 2020. Elaeagnus. Published online. Accessed: Apr 08 2020.
Tropicos.org 2020. Elaeagnus. Missouri Botanical Garden. Published online. Accessed: 08 Apr 2020.

Vernacular names
azərbaycanca: İydə
беларуская: Лох
čeština: Hlošina
dansk: Sølvblad
Deutsch: Ölweiden
English: Silverberry, Oleaster
فارسی: سنجد
suomi: Hopeapensaat
hornjoserbsce: Dźiwi wolijowc
日本語: グミ
kurdî: Sinc
русский: Лох
Türkçe: İğde
Tiếng Việt: Chi Nhót

Elaeagnus /ˌɛliːˈæɡnəs/,[2] silverberry or oleaster, is a genus of about 50–70 species of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae.[3]

Description

Elaeagnus plants are deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees.[3] The alternate leaves and the shoots are usually covered with tiny silvery to brownish scales, giving the plants a whitish to grey-brown colour from a distance. The flowers are small, with a four-lobed calyx and no petals; they are often fragrant. The fruit is a fleshy drupe containing a single seed; it is edible in many species. Several species are cultivated for their fruit, including E. angustifolia, E. umbellata, and E. multiflora (gumi). E. umbellata contains the carotenoid lycopene.[4]
Taxonomy

The genus Elaeagnus was erected in 1754 by Carl Linnaeus, who attributed the name to Joseph Pitton de Tournefort.[1][5] There is agreement that the name is based on Theophrastus's use of the Ancient Greek ἐλαίαγνος (elaíagnos, latinized to elaeagnus) as the name of a shrub.[6] The first part of the name, elae-, is from ἐλαία, 'olive'. Sources differ on the origin of the second part: it may be from ἂγνος, Vitex agnus-castus, the chaste tree,[6] or from the Greek name for a kind of willow.[7] In either case, the second part is derived from ἁγνός (hagnós), meaning 'pure', 'chaste'.[8]
Species

Elaeagnus comprises the following species:[9][10]

Elaeagnus angustata (Rehder) C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus angustifolia L. – oleaster, Russian silverberry, or Russian olive (western Asia)
Elaeagnus annamensis S.Moore
Elaeagnus argyi H.Lév. (China)
Elaeagnus bambusetorum Hand.-Mazz. (China)
Elaeagnus bockii Diels (China)
Elaeagnus bonii Lecomte
Elaeagnus calcarea Z.R.Xu
Elaeagnus caudata Schltdl. ex Momiy.
Elaeagnus cinnamomifolia W.K.Hu & H.F.Chow (China)
Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb. – American silverberry or wolf-willow (North America)
Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. (southern Asia)
Elaeagnus courtoisii Belval (China)
Elaeagnus davidii Franch. (China)
Elaeagnus delavayi Lecomte (China)
Elaeagnus difficilis Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus epitricha Momiy. ex H.Ohba
Elaeagnus fasciculata Griff.
Elaeagnus formosana Nakai (Taiwan)
Elaeagnus formosensis Hatus.
Elaeagnus geniculata D.Fang
Elaeagnus glabra Thunb. (eastern Asia)
Elaeagnus gonyanthes Benth. (China)
Elaeagnus griffithii Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus grijsii Hance (China)
Elaeagnus guizhouensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus henryi Warb. ex Diels (China)
Elaeagnus heterophylla D.Fang & D.R.Liang
Elaeagnus hunanensis C.J.Qi & Q.Z.Lin
Elaeagnus indica Servett.
Elaeagnus infundibularis Momiy.
Elaeagnus jiangxiensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus jingdonensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus kanaii Momiy. (China)
Elaeagnus lanceolata Warb. (China)
Elaeagnus lanpingensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus laosensis Lecomte
Elaeagnus latifolia L. (southern Asia)
Elaeagnus lipoensis Z.R.Xu
Elaeagnus liuzhouensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus longiloba C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus loureiroi Champ. (southern China)
Elaeagnus luoxiangensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus luxiensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus macrantha Rehder (China)
Elaeagnus macrophylla Thunb. (eastern Asia)
Elaeagnus magna (Servett.) Rehder (China)
Elaeagnus matsunoana Makino
Elaeagnus maximowiczii Servett.
Elaeagnus micrantha C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus mollis Diels (China)
Elaeagnus montana Makino
Elaeagnus morrisonensis Hayata (Taiwan)
Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb. – cherry silverberry or gumi (eastern Asia)
Elaeagnus murakamiana Makino
Elaeagnus nanchuanensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus obovata H.L.Li (China)
Elaeagnus obovatifolia D.Fang
Elaeagnus obtusa C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. (China)
Elaeagnus ovata Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus pallidiflora C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus parvifolia Wall. ex Royle (central Asia)
Elaeagnus pilostyla C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus pingnanensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. – silverthorn (Japan)
Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook.f. (eastern Himalaya)
Elaeagnus retrostyla C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson
Elaeagnus rivularis Merr.
Elaeagnus rotundata Nakai
Elaeagnus sarmentosa Rehder (China)
Elaeagnus schlechtendalii Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus songarica Schltr.
Elaeagnus s-stylata Z.R.Xu
Elaeagnus stellipila Rehder (China)
Elaeagnus takeshitai Makino
Elaeagnus taliensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus tarokoensis S.Y.Lu & Yuen P.Yang
Elaeagnus thunbergii Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus tonkinensis Servett. (southeastern Asia)
Elaeagnus tricholepis Momiy.
Elaeagnus triflora Roxb. (southeastern Asia, northeast Australia)
Elaeagnus tubiflora C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus tutcheri Dunn (southern China)
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. – Japanese silverberry or autumn olive (eastern Asia)
Elaeagnus viridis Servett. (China)
Elaeagnus wenshanensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus wilsonii H.L.Li (China)
Elaeagnus wushanensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus xichouensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus xingwenensis C.Y.Chang
Elaeagnus xizangensis C.Y.Chang (China)
Elaeagnus yoshinoi Makino
Elaeagnus yunnanensis Servett.

Species names with uncertain taxonomic status

The status of the following species is unresolved:[9]

Elaeagnus arakiana Koidz.
Elaeagnus asakawana Sa.Kurata
Elaeagnus attenuata Nakai
Elaeagnus crocea Nakai
Elaeagnus cyanea Aiton ex Steud.
Elaeagnus emarginata Colla
Elaeagnus fasciculata (Wall. ex Steud.) A.Nelson
Elaeagnus fragrans Nakai
Elaeagnus fruticosa (Lour.) A.Chev.
Elaeagnus fusca Pépin ex Lem.
Elaeagnus higoensis Nakai
Elaeagnus kiusiana Nakai
Elaeagnus laetevirens Lindb.
Elaeagnus latifolia Lour.
Elaeagnus mayeharai Nakai
Elaeagnus nagasakiana Nakai
Elaeagnus numajiriana Makino
Elaeagnus oleaster L.
Elaeagnus pauciflora C.Y. Chang (China)
Elaeagnus philippinensis Perrott. – lingaro berry (Philippines)
Elaeagnus × pyramidalis Browicz & Bugala (E. commutata × E. multiflora)
Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schltdl. (China)
Elaeagnus rotundifolia (Parry) A.Nelson
Elaeagnus sativa Dippel
Elaeagnus undulata auct.
Elaeagnus utilis A.Nelson
Elaeagnus veteris-castelli Lepage
Elaeagnus yakusimensis Masam.

Hybrids

The following hybrids have been described:[9][10]

Elaeagnus × maritima Koidz.
Elaeagnus × reflexa E.Morren & Decne. (E. pungens × E. glabra)
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla Servett. (E. macrophylla × E. pungens)

Habitat

The vast majority of the species are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia.[3] Elaeagnus triflora extends from Asia south into northeastern Australia, while E. commutata is native to North America, and Elaeagnus philippinensis is native to the Philippines. One of the Asian species, E. angustifolia, may also be native in southeasternmost Europe, though it may instead be an early human introduction there. Also, several Asiatic species of Elaeagnus have become established as introduced species in North America, with some of these species being considered invasive, or even designated as noxious, in portions of the United States.[3][11][12]
Ecology

Elaeagnus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora elaeagnisella and the Gothic moths. The thorny shrubs can also provide good nesting sites for birds.
Nitrogen fixation

Many Elaeagnus species harbor nitrogen-fixing organisms in their roots, so are able to grow well in low-nitrogen soils.[3] This ability results in multiple ecological consequences where these Elaeagnus species are present. They can become invasive in many locations where they are established as exotic species. Two species (E. pungens and E. umbellata) are currently rated as category II noxious, invasive species in many world regions[3] and by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.[12]
Cultivation

Elaeagnus species are widely cultivated for their showy, often variegated, foliage, and numerous cultivars and hybrids have been developed.[13]

The fruit is acid and somewhat astringent.[3] It makes good tarts.[14]
E. angustifolia cultivated as bonsai

Notable species and hybrids in cultivation include:-

Elaeagnus angustifolia
Elaeagnus commutata
Elaeagnus macrophylla
Elaeagnus multiflora
Elaeagnus pungens
Elaeagnus × reflexa
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla (syn. E. × ebbingei)
Elaeagnus umbellata

The hybrid Elaeagnus × submacrophylla[15] and the cultivar 'Gilt Edge'[16] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[17]
Berries from a large-fruited cultivar
Elaeagnus oldhamii
References

"Elaeagnus Tourn. ex L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
Sunset Western Garden Book. 1995. pp. 606–7. ISBN 978-0-376-03850-0.
"Elaeagnus umbellata (autumn olive)". CABI. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2018.
Fordham, Ingrid M.; Clevidence, Beverly A.; Wiley, Eugene R.; Zimmerman, Richard H. (2001). "Fruit of autumn olive : A rich source of lycopene". HortScience. 36 (6): 1136–7. ISSN 0018-5345.
Linnaeus, Carl (1754). "148. Elaeagnus". Genera Plantarum (5 ed.). Holmia (Stockholm): Laurentius Salvius. p. 57. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
Gilbert-Carter, H. (1955). Glossary of the British Flora (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 30.
Johnson, A.T. & Smith, H.A. (1972). Plant Names Simplified : Their Pronunciation Derivation & Meaning. Buckenhill, Herefordshire: Landsmans Bookshop. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-900513-04-6.
Liddell, Henry George & Scott, Robert. "A Greek-English Lexicon". Perseus 4.0. Department of the Classics, Tufts University. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
"The Plant List entry for Myrica". The Plant List, v.1.1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanical Garden. September 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
Govaerts R. "Myrica L." Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
"Elaeagnus". County-level distribution maps from the North American Plant Atlas (NAPA). Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2014.
"Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Lists". Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1-4053-3296-4.
Maiden, J. H. (1889). The Useful Native Plants of Australia: Including Tasmania. Turner and Henderson, Sydney.
"RHS Plantfinder – Elaeagnus × submacrophylla". Retrieved 5 June 2020.
"Eleagnus × ebbengei 'Gilt Edge'". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
"AGM Plants – Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 35. Retrieved 6 February 2018.