Elaeagnus latifolia

So-Shang (Elaeagnus latifolia )
Scientific name	Elaeagnus latifolia
Genus	Elaeagnus
Family	Elaeagnaceae
Order	Rosales
Fruit type	Drupe-like fruit
Growth form	Evergreen shrub or small tree
Climate and hardiness	Subtropical to tropical highland; tolerates some cool weather
Mature height	3–8 m
Mature width	3–6 m
Soil	Well-drained soil, including poorer or acidic ground; avoid stagnant wetness
Water	Moderate moisture; more during establishment and fruiting
Sun	Full sun to light shade
Germination	Fresh seed; seed may be slow and variable
Years to fruit	Several years from seed; grafted timing not widely standardized
Pollination	Insect-pollinated; plant behavior varies by seed source
Harvest	Regional warm-season crop, often during spring or early summer

Description

So-Shang is an Asian Elaeagnus grown for oblong red fruits with a tart, aromatic flavor. It is a niche fruit for collectors and warm-climate growers and should not be confused with the common ornamental oleasters.

The accepted genus, family, and order are Elaeagnus, Elaeagnaceae, and Rosales. Common names may cover related taxa; check the scientific name before transferring cultivation advice.

Cultivation

So-Shang is a broad-leaved oleaster of warm Asian forest margins. Its fruiting habit is better suited to warm subtropical conditions than hard-freezing sites; use fertile, well-drained soil and shelter from drying wind.

The species occurs in humid subtropical and tropical regions, often in upland or forest-edge conditions. It appreciates organic matter and drainage, but its nitrogen-fixing relatives can give the impression that it needs little care; fruiting plants still benefit from regular moisture and sun.

Soil and water

Well-drained soil, including poorer or acidic ground; avoid stagnant wetness.

Sun and humidity

Full sun to light shade. Native habitat and airflow matter as much as light intensity; avoid enclosing humid foliage without ventilation.

Seasonal changes

Native populations experience warm wet seasons and a cooler or drier interval. Flowering and fruiting are seasonal outside the equatorial tropics. Keep young plants protected from hard freezes and avoid heavy irrigation during cool weather.

Propagation

Seed is the common route, though seedlings vary. Explore clonal propagation only from documented superior plants because vernacular names and nursery labels can cover more than one Elaeagnus taxon.

Flowering, fruiting, and harvest

Regional warm-season crop, often during spring or early summer. Flowering and ripening are strongly affected by latitude, cultivar, rootstock, rainfall, and temperature; local records are more useful than a single universal calendar.

Fruit and uses

The tart fruit is eaten fresh when fully colored and can be made into preserves, sauces, beverages, and mixed-fruit products. It is mainly grown as a specialty fruit rather than a large commercial crop.

Photos

The images above show documented fruit, flower, or plant-habit views. See the individual Commons file pages in the image credits for authorship and license details.

References

• Useful Tropical Plants: Elaeagnus latifolia
• Plants For A Future: Elaeagnus latifolia

Image credits

• Elaeagnus latifolia (bastard oleaster) 2.jpg — Wikimedia Commons file page; creator and license are recorded on the source page.