THE BUCKTHORN / OLEASTER FAMILY (Eleagnaceae)

This is a small family of small trees and shrubs native to temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere as well as parts of Asia and Australia. They are commonly thorny and found in either dry habitats (xerophytes) or tolerating high levels of soil salinity (halophytes). They typically harbour nitrogen-fixing fungi on the roots and produce plentiful seeds making them useful for soil reclamation and aiding survival in adverse conditions.

Leaves are often coated with tiny scales or hairs to reduce water loss. Flowers may be carried singly or more often in clusters, either single-sex or bi-sexual. When single-sex, the male and female flowers are usually carried on separate plants. Flower parts are often reduced and their colour may vary from white to cream or yellow. Fruits usually take the form of berries that often have intense colour and are eaten by birds. The undigested seeds are then shed with the droppings. The berries of many species are edible with a particularly high vitamin C content. Others are used as ornamental shrubs.

(source: Wikipedia)