Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.):: A less known multiple utility plant of cold arid high altitude region of India

Extensive survey was conducted to find out the biodiversity of Elaeagnus in mid to high hills of Himalayas and in cold and high altitude regions of Trans Himalayas. Two species of Elaeagnus i.e. E. angustifolia and E. umbellatta were found growing in these regions at limited places. E. angustifolia is more common in Trans Himalayan region and E. umbellatta is more common in Himalayan hills. It is commonly known as "Tsersing" in Ladakh and Girvai & Geowain in Uttaranchal. It is a nitrogen fixing plant because of having Frankia-actinorhizal symbiotic association in its root nodules that fixes the atmospheric nitrogen. Flowers of Elaeagnus are hermaphrodite with sweet scented glands and leaves were silvery white. It was found growing from 5000-12500ft above MSL. New stem branches arise from the side of a thorn and thorns were of simple type. Fruits were starchy and consumed by locals as raw and they also store them for winter use. Fruits are rich in carbohydrate hence eaten raw by local peoples. Being starchy, also utilized by washer men's for starching clothes. Hard woody stem is utilized for fuel, fodder and for making furniture and tools etc. Its propagation techniques through cuttings were standardized for its mass multiplication for plantation purpose.