Hippophae rhamnoides – Sea-Buckthorn seeds x 25

The common Sea-Buckthorn is by far the most widespread species extending from the European Atlantic coast eastwards to northern China. In Western Europe, it is more likely found on sea coasts where salt spray reduces competition and in China, it is more widespread in dry, semi-desert areas where other plants do not provide competition. It can be used as a barrier or impenetrable hedge.

European and Chinese cultivation of the plant is massive at 1.5 million hectares. The berries providing a refreshing fruit drink extremely high in Vitamin C (15 times higher than an orange) and D.  The Finns use the fruit as a vegetable supplement and the Russians gave the juice to their astronauts claiming it was the first fruit in space.

The plant has branches that are dense, stiff and very thorny. The leaves are a distinct silvery-green, lanceolate 3-8cm long and 6mm broad. It is dioecious (having male and female plants), the male producing brownish flowers and wind distributed pollen and the female producing orange, soft, juicy berries rich in oils. This plants roots spread rapidly providing a non-leguminous nitrogen fixation role and it is salt and cold tolerant.

Uses for the edible fruit are various. They may be eaten after freezing to reduce their astringency. Pressed for juice which settles into three layers, the top two layers being used in cosmetics, liniments because of the saturated and polyunsaturated fats collected there. The bottom layer contains juice and fruit pulp which is processed into juices and edible products.

In Asia, traditional medicine uses have been known for centuries.

Offered is a packet of 25 seeds complete with propagation notes.