Elaeagnus xsubmacrophylla Servettaz (syn.: E. xebbingei J. Doorenbos; E. macrophylla Thunb. x E. pungens Thunb.) (Hort.) – Frequently cultivated as an ornamental, especially in hedgerows in public and private gardens, parks,… Exceptionally seen as an escape from cultivation but possibly overlooked. Recorded in 2005 at a foot of wall in the city of Mechelen, apparently birdsown. Also seen as an escape in coastal woodland (Koningsbos) in Knokke in 2007 and in Park 58 (Duinbergen) in 2010 (always single bushes). A record of the similar but very thorny Elaeagnus pungens from a disused gravel pit in Maffle (near Ath) (Saintenoy-Simon 2006) possibly also belongs here.
This artificial hybrid of garden origin is best known as Elaeagnus xebbingei. However, this binomial is a nomen nudum. Moreover, Servettaz’ name predates that of Doorenbos. See also Edwards (2017).
Edwards D. (2017) A new name for an Elaeagnus hybrid. Plantsman N.S. 16(4): 222-223.
Saintenoy-Simon J. (2006) Les anciennes carrières de Maffle et la Dendre orientale: herborisation de l’A.E.F., le 15 mai 2004. Adoxa 50: 15-17.