Elaeagnus angustifolia is a thorny tree growing to 35 feet (11 metres) in height.[6] Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 4–9 centimetres (1+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 inches) long and 1–2.5 cm (3⁄8–1 in) broad, with a smooth margin. The plants begin to flower and fruit from 3 years old. The highly aromatic flowers, produced in clusters of one to three, are 1 cm long with a four-lobed creamy yellow calyx; they appear in early summer and are followed by clusters of fruit, a small cherry-like drupe 1–1.7 cm (3⁄8–5⁄8 in) long, orange-red covered in silvery scales. The fruits are about 1 cm wide[7] and sweet, though with a dryish, mealy texture.[8][9][10]
The species is established and reproduced primarily by seed, with some vegetative propagation also occurring.[11] The branches have thorns that can be 2–7 cm (3⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long.
Foliage
Fruit
Taxonomy
The species was described as Zizyphus cappadocica by John Gerard, and was grown by John Parkinson by 1633.[12] Its common name comes from its similarity in appearance to the olive (Olea europaea), in a different botanical family, the Oleaceae.
The shrub can fix nitrogen in its roots,[13] enabling it to grow on bare mineral substrates.
The caterpillars of the high altitude alpine moth Lachana alpherakii use it as a host plant.[14] The fruit is readily eaten and the seeds disseminated by many species of birds.
Invasive behavior
The species was introduced into North America by the late 19th century, and was both planted and spread through the consumption of its fruits (which seldom ripen in England),[15] by birds, which disperse the seeds.[11] Russian olive is considered to be an invasive species in many places in the United States because it thrives on poor soil, has high seedling survival rates, matures in a few years, and out-competes the native vegetation. It often invades riparian habitats where the canopy of cottonwood trees has died. Its quick-spreading root system can make it pest-like.
Uses
Dried oleaster fruit (senjed) among other fruits as part of haft mēwa, an Afghan dish
It is widely grown across southern and central Europe as a drought and cold-resistant ornamental plant for its scented flowers, edible fruit,[7] attractive yellow foliage and black bark.[11]
In Iran, the dried powder of the fruit is used mixed with milk for rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains. There is evidence supporting beneficial effects of aqueous extract of Persian olive in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis with an efficacy comparable to that of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.[16]
It is one of the seven items used in Haft-sin, a traditional table setting of Nowruz, the traditional Persian spring celebration. The dried fruit, known locally as senjed, is one of seven served in its own syrup in a fruit salad called haft mēwa eaten during Nowruz in Afghanistan.[17][18]
Research
Elaeagnus angustifolia flowers extract has been tested as a supplement in the treatment of female orgasmic disorder.[19]
^Klinkenberg, Brian, ed. (2020). "Elaeagnus angustifolia". E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Retrieved 2020-09-22.[permanent dead link]
^Giblin, David, ed. (2020). "Elaeagnus angustifolia". WTU Herbarium Image Collection. Burke Museum, University of Washington. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
^"Elaeagnus angustifolia". in Jepson Flora Project (eds.) Jepson eFlora. Jepson Herbarium; University of California, Berkeley. 2020. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
^ abcLittle, Elbert L. (1994) [1980]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Western Region (Chanticleer Press ed.). Knopf. p. 566. ISBN0-394-50761-4.
^Alice M. Coats, Garden Shrubs and Their Histories (1964) 1992, s.v. "Eleagnus".
Foliage
Fruit
