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Elaeagnaceae (from the genus Elaeagnus, derived from the Greek name of the olive combined with that of the Chaste tree). Oleaster Family. Fig. 42. Trees and shrubs, covered with silvery and brown, peltate or stellate scales: leaves alternate or opposite, simple, entire: flowers bisexual or unisexual, regular, perigynous; receptacle developed into a long tube beyond the ovary, more or less persistent, and inclosing the fruit; perianth of 1 series; parts 4, rarely 2 or 6, valvate; stamens of the same number or double the number, inserted in the tube; perigynous disk prominent, lobed; ovary superior, 1-celled, 1-ovuled; style 1; stigma 1: real fruit dry, indehiscent, but appearing drupe-like because of the fleshy investing receptacle.
Three genera and about 30 species are found, of which about 25 belong to Elaeagnus; mostly steppe or rock plants, chiefly of south Asia, Europe and North America. The family is closely related to the Thymelaeaceae, which see for further relationship. The peculiar scales, the perigynous flowers, the 1-celled, 1-seeded ovary, and the fleshy but free receptacle are distinctive.
The acid fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia of Persia are eaten; also those of E. latifolia of India, and the seeds of Shepherdia argentea of North America.
There are 3 genera in cultivation in America, principally as hardy ornamental plants with silvery foliage: Elaeagnus (Oleaster, Goumi); Hippophae (Sea Buckthorn, Swallow Thorn); Shepherdia (Buffalo Berry).
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