Elaeocarpus sylvestris
Elaeocarpus sylvestris is a species of flowering plant in the family Elaeocarpaceae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name woodland elaeocarpus.
Distribution
The woodland elaeocarpus is native to South-Central and Southeast China, Hainan, and Vietnam.Description
The tree is up to and is found in evergreen forests at altitudes comprised between. The evergreen shiny leaves are oblanceolate. The greeny-white flowers are grouped in racemes and are followed by black olive-like fruit in autumn.Uses
The fruits of the woodland elaeocarpus are edible. The oil from the seeds may be processed into soap or lubricants. The bark may be used as a source for dye. The wood does not resist water, so it is not considered good timber, but it is used for growing shiitake mushrooms.It is also planted along streets and in parks.
Ecology
The larvae of the moth Leucoblepsis excisa feed on the leaves of E. sylvestris. In urban forests of Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan, the Formosan squirrel is a pest to the tree because of its gnawing habit.Woodland elaeocarpus in susceptible to Elaeocarpus yellows, a disease discovered in 1999 and a type of Phytoplasma disease, which causes a chlorosis of the plant. Oxytetracycline has been used to fight the pathogen.