Sea buck thorn (Hippophae spp.) is a deciduous shrub or medium sized tree belongs to the family 'Elaeagnaceae' which grow naturally at higher altitudes of temperate zone of Asia and Europe. The total distribution of this species is in three main countries, namely China, Mangolia and former USSR is approximately 8, 10,000 ha (natural growth) and 3, 00,000 ha (plantation). Out of this approximately 7, 40,000 ha and 3, 00,000 ha of natural and cultivated plants, respectively are in China. After China, Indian Himalaya is believed to possess about 1, 00,000 ha, the world's second largest resources.
In India, locally known as Amesh, Aameel, Tarwar, Cook, Amleshu, Imli, Turo is generally found in higher hills of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. In Himachal Pradesh, the species grows mainly in the district of Lahaul-Spiti, a cold desert area adjoining Tibet in eastern region and Ladakh in north. In Uttarakhand, it is grown wild on sandy loam soils, on river banks and steep slope of hills between 2200 to 4000 m msl. The surveys have estimated over 50,000 ha area under Seabuckthorn in Ladakh. It has an ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through Frankia symbiosis, thus helps in soil amelioration. It develops extensive root system in a short period of time, therefore it is planted for soil conservation and erosion, strengthen sandy slopes. It bears yellow or orange to red berries, which have been used for centuries in Europe and Asia due to the medicinal and nutritional properties.
This story is from the Jan-Feb 2017 edition of Scientific India.
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This story is from the Jan-Feb 2017 edition of Scientific India.
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