Learning Center | Introduction

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae) gets its name from its habit of growing near the sea, and from the possession of many spines or thorns that are reminiscent of some buckthorn species (of the genus Rhamnus).

Seabuckthorn is a deciduous shrub with yellow or orange berries that last most of the winter (Bailey and Bailey 1978). It is a thorny shrub, reaching 2 to 4 m (6 1/2 - 13 feet) in height with stout branches forming a round, often symmetrical head. It has brown or black rough bark and a thick grayish-green crown (Rousi 1971). The leaves are a very distinct pale silvery-green. It is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The male produces brownish flowers which produce wind-distributed pollen. The female plants produce orange berries. The berries are round to almost egg-shape, and up to 1 cm (3/8 inch) long. Unlike the majority of fruits that fall away from the maternal plant at maturity, the seabuckthorn berries remain on the bushes all winter until eaten by birds. Seabuckthorn berries have a unique, strong flavor. They are known to be quite acidic and not very sweet with a mild but characteristic aroma close to that of pineapple.

Seabuckthorn develops an extensive root system rapidly and is therefore an ideal plant for preventing soil erosion and land reclamation. The European plants are typically found on riverbanks, seashores, and slopes. Seabuckthorn is predominantly distributed in temperate regions. It is, however, highly adaptable to varying and extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from -43 to 40 ºC, drought, high altitudes, salinity, alkalinity, and inundation.

Seabuckthorn is known in different languages as: Shaji (Chinese), Duindoorn (Dutch), Sanddorn (German), Olivello Spinoso (Italian), Oblepicha (Russian), Tyrni (Finnish), Espino de Mar, Falso Espino, Espino Amarillo (Spanish), Havtorn (Swedish).

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