Botanical Name: Hippophae goniocarpa
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales
Genus: Hippophae
Habitat: Hippophae goniocarpa is native to E. Asia – China. It grows on the open sunny places in montane areas, rarely found below 3000 metres.
Description:
Hippophae goniocarpa is a deciduous tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a fast rate. Bark is white; branches (sub)glabrous, lateral spines unbranched. Leaves are alternate or opposite; leaf blade abaxially white, margin flat, abaxially with scales only. Fruit yellow or red, cylindric, with 3-5 small ridges, 6-10 mm. Seed straight, longitudinally ridged.
It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
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.
Edible Uses:
Fruits are eaten – raw or cooked. Very rich in vitamin C, but too acid when raw for most peoples tastes. The flavour is somewhat lemon-like. The fruits of some species and cultivars (not specified) contain up to 9.2% oil[214]. Used for preserves. The fruit becomes less acid after a frost or if cooked.
Medicinal Uses:
The tender branches and leaves contain bio-active substances which are used to produce an oil that is quite distinct from the oil produced from the fruit. This oil is used as an ointment for treating burns. A high-quality medicinal oil is made from the fruit and used in the treatment of cardiac disorders, it is also said to be particularly effective when applied to the skin to heal burns, eczema and radiation injury, and is taken internally in the treatment of stomach and intestinal diseases. The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Other Uses : The wood is used for fuel
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippophae
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hippophae+goniocarpa
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250073451
