Hippophae rhamnoides: Botanical description and origins
The Hippophae rhamnoides, commonly known as hawthorn, cambrón, escambrón, false hawthorn, arto, quitasombreros or titinera, is a shrub or small tree native to Europe and large regions of central and southwestern Asia. It is rare on the Iberian Peninsula, being found mainly in coastal sandbanks, fixed dunes, and alluvial terrain.
It belongs to the family of Elaeagnaceae and stands out for its bushy and thorny appearance, usually reaching between 1,5 and 5 meters, and can reach up to 10 meters in very favorable circumstances. It is a deciduous, dioecious plant (there are male and female specimens) and has a highly branched and dense foliage, which gives it ornamental value, especially when the orange fruits shine in autumn. Its alternate, narrow, lanceolate leaves are green above and silvery below.
One of the most notable aspects of the Hippophae rhamnoides is its rhizomatous and deep root system, capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen thanks to its symbiosis with actinomycetes, which gives it the ability to transform organic matter into more assimilable forms, enriching the substrate.
Characteristics of sea buckthorn
- Ports: Thorny shrub or small tree, highly branched, with a height of 1,5 to 5 (and up to 10) meters.
- Sheets: Deciduous, alternate, lanceolate, green above and silvery below.
- Flowers: Small, unisexual, yellowish-green, clustered in racemes. Flowering occurs in spring (with the emergence of leaves).
- Fruits: Orange achenes surrounded by a fleshy calyx, densely grouped and very showy in autumn. They are rich in Vitamin C and other bioactive compounds.
- Estate: Deep and rhizomatous, specialized in nitrogen fixation.
Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, and both sexes are required to produce fruit. One male plant is usually sufficient to pollinate several female plants (approximately one for every six female plants in plantations).
Natural distribution and habitat
Hippophae rhamnoides thrives naturally in coastal dunes, sea cliffs, alluvial plains, riverbeds and sandy or poor soilsIt is a highly adaptable species that can grow from coastal areas to mountainous regions, helping to stabilize soils and prevent erosion.
Its extensive roots allow them to colonize difficult soils, supporting both the salinity and drought and extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for sustainable gardens and for the recovery of degraded soils.
Ideal growing conditions
- Exhibition: Prefers locations very sunny to maximize fruit production, although it allows a certain degree of partial shade.
- Humidity: tolerates drought after the establishment stage. It does not require frequent watering in temperate climates.
- Floor type: Es indifferent to the type of soil; thrives in calcareous or siliceous soils, even in very poor ones. It requires good drainage and prevents waterlogging systematic.
- soil pH: It tolerates wide variations and does not present significant limitations with respect to pH.
- Cold resistance: It withstands intense frosts (up to -30 ºC or less, depending on the source and variety), making it ideal for areas subject to sharp drops in temperature.
- Wind: It resists so much salty winds as strong, making it optimal for windbreaks or hedges in coastal areas.
Essential care of Hippophae rhamnoides
Sea buckthorn is known to be a low maintenance plant and very resilient. However, to achieve optimal performance, it is important to consider the following aspects:
- Irrigation: After planting, it requires regular watering until the plant is established (the first year). After that, its great drought resistance allows for considerably reduced watering, unless there are prolonged periods of extreme drought.
- Fertilization: It does not need special fertilization due to its ability to fix nitrogenIn very poor soils, compost can be added to the planting hole, but subsequent amendments are not usually required.
- Pruning: It is recommended a light pruning To remove damaged, dead, or misaligned branches, preferably after fruiting. Pruning should not be done severely, as this can affect flowering and fruit production, especially in female specimens. Male flowers bloom on the previous year's wood, while female flowers bloom on the current year's branches.
- Maintenance: During the first period of establishment, it is advisable control weeds around the plant.
- Diseases and pests: It is a very resistant species, although it can occasionally be affected by fungi (Verticillium, Fusarium) and by aphidsThe damage is usually minor and rarely compromises the viability of the plant.
Planting requirements and techniques
The plantation Sea buckthorn is simple and suitable for most gardeners, both in the ground and in a large pot. To increase fruit production, remember that You should plant at least one male specimen for every 3 to 6 female specimens., depending on the total area. It is recommended to place the plants in full sun and respect distances of at least 1,5 to 2 meters between specimens to allow root development and avoid excessive competition. In addition, the cactus care It may be complementary to better understand the needs of some resistant plants such as Hippophae rhamnoides.
The best time to plant is during fall or early spring, avoiding periods of intense frost, as young roots are more sensitive to extreme cold during establishment. The planting technique is the usual one: dig a wide hole, add mature compost if the soil is extremely poor, and water after planting. Mulching can be useful to conserve moisture and control weeds, especially during the first year.
Multiplication and propagation
- By seeds: The traditional method can be used, although it does not allow for sex selection of the seedlings. Sowing is done after harvesting the fruit; the seeds require cold stratification to germinate properly. Seedlings should be allowed to grow and transplanted to their final location when they are well developed.
- By cuttings: It is the most efficient and safest way to obtain plants with a defined sex, especially useful for selecting female or male specimens as needed. Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings is usually done in spring or late summer.
- By division of shoots: Since the plant sends out shoots from the root, these can be separated and replanted in other locations.
In commercial farms, recourse is sometimes made to grafting male branches onto female bushes to ensure pollination and make better use of planting space.
Collection and use of the fruits
La berry harvest The harvesting of sea buckthorn usually takes place in late summer and early autumn. The ripe berries are notable for their intense orange color and fruity, acidic, and sweet-sour flavor. Although they are less commonly consumed fresh due to their acidity, they are highly appreciated for making jams, juices, syrups, jellies, preserves and liqueurs. Its high content in Vitamin C, antioxidants and other nutrients make them a true superfood.
Harvesting can be difficult due to the shrub's thorns. A simple method is to cut entire branches laden with fruit, which can be frozen to facilitate separating the berries later.
Landscape uses and advantages for the sustainable garden
Sea buckthorn is one of the most versatile species for sustainable gardening projects and ecological restoration. Thanks to Its resistance, low maintenance requirements and ability to fix nitrogen, is ideal for:
- Stabilize dunes and sandy soils.
- Form dense, impassable defensive hedges of great ornamental value, especially in autumn and winter.
- Protection against strong winds and salinity, even in coastal areas.
- Improve the structure and fertility of poor or eroded soils.
- Provide shelter and food for wildlife, especially birds, which feed on berries in winter.
The plant can be combined with other shrubs such as cotoneaster, holly, eleagnus, euonymus, laburnum, and bay laurel, allowing for varied compositions and enhancing the garden's biodiversity.
Main problems, diseases and their control
The Hippophae rhamnoides is little susceptible to diseases and pests, making it an ideal plant for gardeners of any level. It may occasionally be affected by soil fungus (Verticillium and Fusarium) or by attacks of aphidsThe damage is usually minor and rarely compromises the viability of the plant.
It's important to avoid waterlogging and improve drainage if fungal problems are detected. To control competing weeds, mulching and regular mechanical weeding are recommended.
Nutritional, medicinal value and applications
In addition to its landscaping and agricultural applications, sea buckthorn is famous for Its fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fatty acids and other phytonutrientsThey are used in dietary supplements, cosmetics (seed oil and pulp), and traditional medicine. An infusion of its leaves is also used for therapeutic purposes in some countries.
Thanks to their composition, berries contribute to the immune system and may have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties, although they should be consumed within the context of a balanced diet.
