Radiant figure of light and courageous fighter
Sea buckthorn is scientifically known as Hippophae rhamnoides L. and belongs to the oleaster family. Depending on the dialect and region, sea buckthorn is also called Fürdorn, Haffdorn, Seedorn, or coral berry, sea berry, or pheasant berry.
Sea buckthorn spread from Nepal across almost all of Asia. Particularly large populations are found in China and Siberia. Its European distribution range extends from France to the Caucasus.
Sea buckthorn is a deciduous, thorny shrub with alternate leaves that are slightly inclined upward. The underside of the leaves is white and covered with felt-like hairs, while the upper surface is initially only slightly hairy, then becomes smooth and appears greyish-green.
The root system has one or more main roots that can grow up to 3 m deep. In addition, there is the so-called root suckering system, a network of roots that runs only shallowly through the soil but can grow up to 12 m long. This root system allows the plant to spread and become denser fairly rapidly, while at the same time providing strong anchorage in the soil. Sea buckthorn also lives symbiotically in its root system with the actinomycete Actinomycetes. This fungus ensures that the roots can bind and metabolize nitrogen from the air, allowing the plant to grow even on nutrient-poor soils and meaning it never requires fertilization. The combination of its root system and lack of requirements regarding the soil explains why sea buckthorn is valued in shallow coastal areas as a plant for soil stabilization and construction, where it can withstand soil erosion and washouts. The plant is also widely cultivated as part of reclamation measures, e.g. in open-cast lignite mining. This makes it clear why sea buckthorn is also regarded as a pioneer plant and survivor.
