Hippophae rhamnoides commonly known as Sea Buckthorn plant is actually a rare species of fruit from family Elaeagnaceae and Hippophae genus and is native to Europe and Asia. The plant is used for soil and wildlife conservation but also produces some tasty, tart (but citrusy) berries high in nutrient value. Also called Seaberry plants, Buckthorn has many species, but they all bear common characteristics. It is a unique and valuable multipurpose species currently being cultivated in various parts of the world, including Canada. Sea buckthorn is actually dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The male produces brownish flowers which produce wind-distributed pollen. The female plants produce orange berries 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) in diameter, soft, juicy, and rich in oils. It has a remarkable lifespan of 100 to 150 years.
| Name | Sea buckthorn |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippophae rhamnoides |
| Native | Native over a wide area of Europe and Asia. |
| Common/English Name | Sandthorn, sallowthorn, seaberry |
| Name in Other Languages | Danish: Havtorn Netherlands: Duindoorn Finnish: Tyrni Spanish: Espino armarillo German: Sanddorn Swedish: Havtorn Norwegian: Tindved Italy: Garra Russian Federation: Siberian pineapple French: Argasse |
| Plant Growth Habit | Medium-sized, hardy, growing deciduous tree-like shrub |
| Growing Climate | Found along riversides, in mountainous areas, and in sandy and gravel ground |
| Soil | Found growing profusely on a wide range of soil types, but does better in soils with a light physical structure, rich in nutrient compounds. Best growth occurs in deep, well drained, sandy loam with ample organic matter. |
| Plant Size | 0.5–6 meters (1.6–19.7 ft.) tall, rarely up to 10 meters (33 ft.) in central Asia |
| Lifespan | 100 to 150 years. |
| Bark | Brown or black thick and rough bark. |
| Branch | Dense and stiff branches |
| Leaf | Leaf arrangement can be alternate or opposite. Distinct green at the top, and silver-ash green on the underside, lanceolate, 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) long, and less than 7 mm (0.28 in) broad. |
| Flower | Very small yellowish pistolate flowers |
| Flowering Season | April to mid-May. |
| Fruit Shape & Size | Pearl-shaped clustered berries 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) in diameter, soft, juicy, and rich in oils. |
| Fruit Color | Yellowish-orange |
| Fruit Taste | Oily, bitter, sour, tart and astringent |
| Seed | One bony, ovoid seed. |
| Varieties/Types |
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| Season | August to October. |
| Health Benefits |
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