Eastern Silverberry

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Eastern Silverberry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Rosales and the family Elaeagnaceae. Finally, it is placed within the genus Elaeagnus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple regions across Asia and the Indian Ocean. In the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is specifically noted in the regions of Assam and Bangladesh. Moving toward East Asia, it can be found growing throughout South-Central China as well as Southeast China. Additionally, the species extends its range across the Western Indian Ocean to the island of Mauritius. Together, these locations highlight the broad ecological footprint of Elaeagnus conferta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elaeagnus conferta is defined by a highly specific altitudinal niche, as it is found within a precise elevational range. This species occurs at a constant altitude of 550 m AMSL, representing a specialized habitat requirement where both its minimum and maximum elevational thresholds converge at this single point. This narrow vertical distribution suggests that the plant is adapted to the particular climatic, soil, and moisture conditions found exclusively at this level of the landscape.

Elevational range max:

550 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Elaeagnus conferta is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence within its ecological niche. As an evergreen species, it maintains its foliage year-round, providing continuous photosynthetic activity and structural cover regardless of the seasonal shifts that might cause deciduous plants to shed their leaves. This combination of a long-lived perennial lifecycle and permanent greenery ensures a consistent biological presence and steady energy production throughout its lifespan.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elaeagnus conferta is characterized by its growth as a woody shrub and an obligatory climbing liana. It exhibits a climbing habit, functioning as a vine rather than being self-supporting. This plant typically reaches a mean height of 10 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 12 m. As a terrestrial species, it grows from the ground rather than as an epiphyte, maintaining a robust, woody structure throughout its development.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Plant height max:

12 m

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elaeagnus conferta is characterized by a specialized metabolic capacity for nutrient acquisition, most notably its ability to function as a nitrogen fixer. Through a symbiotic relationship with actinorhizal bacteria, typically from the genus Frankia, the plant establishes specialized root nodules that facilitate the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. This nitrogen fixation process allows the species to thrive in nutrient-poor or disturbed soils where nitrogen availability is a limiting factor for growth. Beyond its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, the plant's physiological processes include efficient photosynthetic pathways and adaptive water-use strategies that support its resilience in various environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Elaeagnus conferta has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ascorbic acid, oleic acid, quercetin, stearic acid.

ascorbic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

oleic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

quercetin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

stearic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Elaeagnus conferta has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, gastric ulcers, oxidative stress, pain, peptic ulcer.

Most Reported Uses