Elaeagnus cordifolia

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little specific information on this species and are not sure that this is the correct name for it. It is based on a name given to us by Probus gardens in Cornwall where a specimen is being grown. This plant, which is near to E. glabra, has a larger fruit than other members of the genus and ripens a week or two earlier, usually in mid April in Cornwall. Succeeds in most soils that are well-drained. Plants are not reliably hardy in the colder areas of the country. This species has a superb potential as a commercial fruit crop in temperate areas. It ripens its fruit in mid spring, well before any other fruit crops, yields are usually good to excellent and the fruit is of a good size with a reasonable flavour[K]. Some research needs to be carried out to determine the best conditions for ensuring good yields every year and also the mechanism of fertilization[K]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. The small flowers are deliciously scented, their aroma pervading the garden on calm days[K].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, November in a frame. Leave for 12 months. Fair to good percentage. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months.

Edible uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit must be fully ripe before it develops its full flavour, prior to that it is acid and somewhat astringent[K]. The oval fruit is up to 20mm long and 14mm wide, it contains a single large seed[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[K].

Medicinal uses

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure. They form a good wind-break, though they are somewhat slow to reach an effective size[K]. They succeed when planted under trees that have become bare at the base, in time they will scramble up into the tree and fill out the bottom.