Common Name:

General Information

Hippophae neurocarpa is a spiny, deciduous shrub or a small tree with a flat top and slender, unbranched stems; it can grow 60 - 350cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as a food, medicine and source of fuel.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China (Qinghai, Sichuan, Xizang).

Habitat

Open sunny places in montane areas[]. Valley bottoms, flood plains, river banks and terraces; at elevations from 3,400 - 4,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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 Hippophae 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[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Used for preserves[, ]. The fruits are very rich in vitamin C, but the somewhat lemon-like flavour is too acid when raw for most peoples tastes. The fruit becomes less acid after a frost or if it is cooked[]. The brown or yellowish-red, more or less cylindrical and distinctly curved fruit is 5 - 8mm x 3 - 4mm[]. This species has the smallest fruits of the genus, 100 fruits weighing just 4 - 5g[].
The fruits of some species and cultivars (not specified) contain up to 9.2% oil[].

Medicinal

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[].
The fruit can be crushed and applied to wounds as an emergency measure to stop the bleeding[].

Other Uses

The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a sunny position in a cold frame[]. Germination is usually quick and good although 3 months cold stratification may improve the germination rate. Alternatively the seed can be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring into their permanent positions. Male seedlings, in spring, have very prominent axillary buds whilst females are clear and smooth at this time[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, early summer/July in a frame[]. Difficult[]. This is the easiest method of vegetative propagation[].
Cuttings of mature wood in autumn[]. Difficult[]. The cuttings should be taken at the end of autumn or very early in the spring before the buds burst. Store them in sand and peat until mid spring, cut into 7 - 9cm lengths and plant them in a plastic tent with bottom heat[]. Rooting should take place within 2 months and they can be put in their permanent positions in the autumn[].
Division of suckers in the winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions and usually establish well and quickly[].
Layering in autumn[].