Hippophae neurocarpa

S.W.Liu & T.N.Ho

Elaeagnaceae Edible: Fruit

gbif· cc0

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

gbif· cc0

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

gbif· cc0

GBIF

Summary

Fast-growing deciduous tree reaching 15m tall. Flowers appear in April with seeds ripening September to October. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed production; wind-pollinated and not self-fertile. Nitrogen-fixing. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, including poor soils. Grows in mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH. Requires full sun and prefers dry to wet conditions. Handles strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It usually has a flat top. It grows to 3.5 m tall. The leafy stems are not branched and have a spine at the tip. The leaves are alternate and silvery underneath. They are 2-6 cm long by 2-4 mm wide. The fruit are brown or a yellowish-red. They are cylinder shaped and curved. They have 5-7 ribs. The fruit are 6-8 mm long by 3-4 mm wide. They have silvery scales. The seed is cylinder shaped and curved. It is 4-6 mm long and has ridges along it.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, though its strongly acidic, lemon-like flavour makes it too sharp for most people when raw. Some species and cultivars (not specified) yield fruit with up to 9.2% oil content. This species produces the smallest fruits in the genus — 100 fruits weigh just 4–5g. The fruit is suitable for preserves and becomes noticeably less acid after a frost or when cooked.

Medicinal Uses

An oil produced from the tender branches and leaves — distinct from the fruit oil — is used as an ointment for treating burns. A high-quality medicinal oil made from the fruit is used in the treatment of cardiac disorders and is said to be particularly effective when applied to the skin for burns, eczema, and radiation injury; it is also taken internally for stomach and intestinal diseases. The fruit is an exceptionally rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, flavonoids, other bio-active compounds, and essential fatty acids — the last being unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated for its potential to reduce cancer incidence and to halt or reverse tumour growth. Crushed fruit can also be applied directly to wounds as an emergency measure to stop bleeding.

Distribution

It grows in valley bottoms and river banks between 3,400-4,400 m above sea level. In Sichuan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Tibet,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils if they are not too dry. Grows well by water. Members of this genus are attracting considerable interest from breeding institutes for their nutrient-rich fruits that can promote the general health of the body (see edible and medicinal uses below). This species is closely related to H. tibetana. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a sunny position in a cold frame. Germination is usually quick and reliable, though 3 months of cold stratification may improve the rate. Alternatively, sow in a cold frame as soon as seed ripens in autumn. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out in late spring. In spring, male seedlings have very prominent axillary buds, while females are smooth and clear at this time. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken in June/July in a frame are possible but difficult, and represent the easiest method of vegetative propagation. Cuttings of mature wood in autumn are also difficult — take them at the end of autumn or in early spring before buds burst, store in sand and peat until April, cut into 7–9cm lengths, and root in a plastic tent with bottom heat; rooting should occur within 2 months. Division of suckers in winter can be planted directly into permanent positions and usually establishes well. Layering in autumn is also possible.