cherry silverberry

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• cherry silverberry
• cherry elaeagnus
• Cherry Oleaster
• Japanese Berry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Elaeagnus umbellata var. siphonantha
• Elaeagnus multiflora f. jucundicocca
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. angustifolia
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. orbiculata
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. ovoidea
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. sulcata
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. tenuipes
• Elaeagnus sativa
• Elaeagnus siphonantha
• Elaeagnus kiusiana
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. obovoidea
• Elaeagnus multiflora f. orbiculata
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. parvifolia
• Elaeagnus longipes var. orbiculata
• Elaeagnus longipes var. ovoidea
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. edulis
• Elaeagnus longipes var. sulcata
• Elaeagnus longipes f. elliptica
• Elaeagnus longipes f. pacifica
• Elaeagnus longipes var. angustifolia
• Elaeagnus multiflora f. oblongata
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. gigantea
• Elaeagnus multiflora var. siphonantha
• Elaeagnus longipes
• Elaeagnus jucundicocca
• Elaeagnus isensis
• Elaeagnus edulis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Elaeagnaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Elaeagnus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad and diverse geographical distribution across multiple continents. In Europe, its presence can be identified within the borders of Germany. Moving eastward, it is found in the Russian Far East, specifically inhabiting the Kuril Islands. The species also extends into Central Asia, where it grows in Tajikistan. Finally, its range covers significant portions of China, including both the South-Central and North-Central regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Elaeagnus multiflora is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, ensuring its presence in the ecosystem across multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural development and survival strategy, the plant is classified as a phanerophyte, specifically exhibiting the traits of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are elevated above the ground level on woody stems. This growth habit allows it to establish a stable, long-lived presence within its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elaeagnus multiflora is characterized by a woody growth form that manifests as both a tree and a shrub. This plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, rather than aquatic or semiaquatic, and functions as an independent organism without parasitic tendencies. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior. Structurally, it is a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing habits of vines or lianas. In terms of dimensions, the plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 2 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elaeagnus multififlora is characterized by a robust metabolic framework centered on autotrophic nutrition, specifically through highly efficient photosynthetic processes. As a non-carnivorous species, the plant relies entirely on its specialized leaf structures to capture solar energy, converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose via the Calvin cycle. Its physiological makeup is further distinguished by a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, typically housed within specialized root nodules; these bacteria facilitate the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, compensating for nutrient-poor soils and supporting vigorous vegetative growth. The plant exhibits a sophisticated vascular system for the translocation of water and minerals, alongside a well-developed root architecture designed for optimal moisture absorption and soil stability. Unlike carnivorous flora that derive essential nutrients from prey, Elaeagnus multififlora maintains its physiological homeostasis through mineral uptake from the substrate and sunlight-driven carbohydrate synthesis.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elaeagnus multiflora is characterized by a reliance on biotic processes, specifically through insect pollination. The flowering cycle is concentrated within a specific seasonal window, with both the flowering start and flowering end occurring in May. This pollination syndrome is driven by insects, facilitating the transfer of pollen required for successful fertilization. Furthermore, the plant does not exhibit any form of asexual reproduction, meaning its reproductive cycle is strictly dependent on sexual processes.

Flowering time :

May

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Elaeagnus multiflora has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoids, Chlorophylls, Flavonoids, Tocopherols, polyphenols.

Carotenoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Chlorophylls

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Tocopherols

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

polyphenols

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

vitamin C

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Elaeagnus multiflora has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, cough, diarrhea.

Most Reported Uses