Name: Oleaster / Russian Olive
Other English name: Moorcroft’s Oleaster
Scientific name: Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
Older scientific name / synonym: Elaeagnus moorcroftii Wall. ex Schltdl.
Mongolian name in Latin script: Jiged
Plant family: Oleaster family
Oleaster is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows in dry and semi-dry regions of Central Asia, including Mongolia. It is well adapted to river valleys, dry streambeds, desert margins, sandy places, and areas where underground moisture is available.
This plant can grow as a large shrub or small tree. It often has many branches, and some branches may have sharp thorn-like tips. The trunk and older branches can become rough and greyish-brown with age.
One of the most noticeable features of Oleaster is its silvery appearance. The young branches, leaves, and sometimes the fruits are covered with tiny silvery scales or hairs. These silvery parts help reflect strong sunlight and reduce water loss in dry environments.
The leaves are narrow, simple, and usually grey-green or silvery-green. They are arranged alternately on the branches. The silvery colour helps the plant survive heat, wind, and drought.
Oleaster produces small, fragrant flowers. The flowers are usually yellowish inside and silvery outside. They are often found in the leaf axils and can have a sweet smell that attracts insects.
After flowering, the plant produces small oval fruits. The fruits are usually yellowish, brownish, or reddish-brown when mature. They have a dry, mealy texture and contain a hard seed inside. In some regions, the fruits are eaten by people, birds, and wildlife.
Oleaster is well adapted to harsh dryland conditions. It can tolerate drought, wind, poor soils, and some salinity. Its strong root system helps it reach water and stabilize soil in sandy or disturbed places.
This plant plays an important role in dryland ecosystems. Its roots help hold soil and reduce erosion. Its branches provide shelter for birds and small animals. Its flowers support insects, and its fruits provide food for wildlife.
Oleaster can also improve poor soils because it can live with root-associated microorganisms that help add nitrogen to the soil. This makes it useful in dry areas where soil fertility is low.
In Mongolia, this plant is connected with dry river valleys, desert-steppe habitats, and oasis-like areas. It is part of the natural plant diversity of arid landscapes and can help support life in places where few trees can grow.
Today, Oleaster habitats may be affected by overcutting, grazing pressure, groundwater decline, mining, road construction, climate change, and desertification. Young plants can also be damaged when livestock heavily graze or trample the area.
Protecting Oleaster is important because it supports fragile dryland ecosystems. Conserving this plant helps protect soil stability, wildlife habitat, pollinators, and the natural plant diversity of Mongolia’s dry regions.
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