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Summer Oleaster
Elaeagnus multiflora
ナツグミ
A deciduous shrub found in mountains, fields, and coastal areas throughout Japan. In early summer, it bears elliptical red fruits that are sweet-sour and edible. The undersides of leaves and young stems are covered with silvery-white peltate scales.
Identification Points
- ✓Leaf undersides and young branches covered with silvery-white to brown peltate scales
- ✓Red elliptical fruits hang from branches in May–June
- ✓Flowers tubular, pale yellow, and fragrant
Habitat
Mountains, fields, coastal areas, forest edges, and riverbanks
Season
April–May (flowers), May–June (fruit)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Shrub
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Leaf shape
Round
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Entire
Petal count
3 petals
Stipules
Absent
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Ovary position
Superior
Stamen count
1-2
Phylogenetic Positionグミ科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Rosids > Rosales > Elaeagnaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (approx. 55 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Elaeagnaceae belongs to Rosales; the ability to fix nitrogen through root nodule bacteria is an evolutionary trait enabling survival in nutrient-poor soils.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification