What is the Elaeagnus berry? The latest guide answers
Elaeagnus berry, also known as Sanyue jujube, Suan Mimi, Elaeagnus pungens, etc., is an evergreen erect shrub of the genus Elaeagnus in the family Elaeagnaceae. The berry tastes sweet and sour, contains 7 kinds of amino acids and vitamin C, can be eaten raw, can also provide pigment, and can be used to make wine, beverages and jam. The flower buds, fruit and young twigs can be used as medicine, and the flowers are also a nectar source. It is mostly distributed in Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei and other places in our country. Now let us take a look at what the Elaeagnus berry is!
What is the Elaeagnus berry?
The Elaeagnus berry tree is thorny, with thorns terminal or axillary, sometimes shorter, dark brown. The young branches are slightly flat and angular, densely covered with rusty scales; the scales on old branches fall off, and they are black and glossy. The leaves are leathery, elliptical or broadly elliptical, rarely oblong, with both ends obtuse or the base rounded, and the margin slightly revolute or crumpled and wavy. When young, the upper surface has silvery white and a few brown scales, which fall off after maturity, and it is glossy, brownish green or brown after drying; the lower surface is densely covered with silvery white and a few brown scales. The inner surface of the stone is covered with white silky cotton hairs. The flowering period is from September to December, and the fruiting period is from April to June of the following year.
Growth habits of the Elaeagnus berry
The Elaeagnus berry has relatively strong cold resistance. In the southern part of North China it can overwinter in the open field and can endure an absolute low temperature of around minus 8°C. The suitable growth temperature is 24-34°C, and it tolerates high temperatures and severe summer heat. Although in its place of origin it grows under sparse forests on hillsides and in shady, moist valleys, it is not afraid of sun exposure and also has relatively strong shade tolerance. It is not strict about soil requirements and can grow in neutral, acidic and calcareous soils. It tolerates drought and barren conditions, but not waterlogging. It is produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places, and is also distributed in Japan.
Main values of the Elaeagnus berry
1. Medicinal value: The seeds of the Elaeagnus berry can stop diarrhea, the leaves treat lung deficiency and shortness of breath, and the root has a certain curative effect on hematemesis and when decocted in water for washing sores and scabies.
2. Dietary value: The fruit of the Elaeagnus berry is rich in nutrients and sweet in taste. It can be eaten raw, and can also be used to make wine, boil sugar, and make beverages and jam.
3. Ornamental value: The Elaeagnus berry has a natural plant shape, and its red fruits hang down. It can be planted in clumps in lawns and also used as a hedge at forest edges and around tree groups.
4. Industrial value: The stem bark of the Elaeagnus berry is rich in fiber and can be used to make paper and artificial fiberboard.