What is the Elaeagnus? Let us introduce you to this plant
The Elaeagnus, also known as Sanyue jujube, Suan Mimi, Elaeagnus pungens, etc., is an evergreen upright shrub of the genus Elaeagnus in the family Elaeagnaceae. Its berries taste sweet and sour, contain 7 kinds of amino acids and vitamin C, can be eaten raw, can also provide pigment, and can also be used to brew wine, make beverages and jam. The flower buds, fruits and young branches 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 China. Now let us take a look at what the Elaeagnus is!
What is the Elaeagnus?
The Elaeagnus 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 the branches are black and glossy. The leaves are leathery, elliptical or broadly elliptical, rarely oblong, blunt at both ends or rounded at the base, with the margin slightly revolute or wrinkled and wavy. The upper surface has silvery white and a few brown scales when young, which fall off when mature, and 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 wool. The flowering period is from September to December, and the fruiting period is from April to June of the following year.
The growth habits of the Elaeagnus
The Elaeagnus 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 to 34°C, and it is tolerant of high temperatures and severe summer heat. Although in its place of origin it grows under sparse forests on hillsides and in shady, humid valleys, it is not afraid of direct sunlight and also has relatively strong shade tolerance. It has no strict requirements for soil and can grow in neutral, acidic and calcareous soils. It is tolerant of drought and barren soil, but not of waterlogging. It is produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places, and is also distributed in Japan.
The main values of the Elaeagnus
1. Medicinal value: The seeds of the Elaeagnus can stop diarrhea, the leaves treat lung deficiency and shortness of breath, and the root has a certain curative effect on hematemesis and can be decocted in soup to wash sores and scabies.
2. Dietary value: The fruit of the Elaeagnus is rich in nutrients and sweet in taste. It can be eaten raw, and can also be used to brew wine, boil sugar, make beverages and jam.
3. Ornamental value: The Elaeagnus has a natural plant shape, with red fruits hanging down. It can be planted in clumps on grass, and is also used as a hedge at the forest edge and around tree groups.
4. Industrial value: The stem bark of the Elaeagnus is rich in fiber and can be used to make paper and artificial fiberboard.