Elaeagnus L.
Hermaphroditic or andromonoecious, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes spiny, prominently furnished with silvery or brown scales. Fls usually in fascicles, sometimes solitary, often fragrant. Calyx tube extending well beyond ovary; lobes 4, deciduous, white or yellow. Stamens 4; filaments very short. Fr. scaly, often edible; achene ellipsoid, striate.
45-55 spp., N. temperate regions, S. to Malesia and Queensland. Naturalised, 1 hybrid.
In addition to the evergreen plant described below and its parents, several deciduous spp. are cultivated in N.Z. One of these has become prominent in recent years as a hedge and nectar-producing plant; this is E. angustifolia L., Russian olive, with silvery lvs and shoots, and yellow fls and frs.
