Hippophae tibetana

Hippophae tibetana has the common name Tibetan sea buckthorn. It is part of the Elaeagnaceae family. Its native range runs from the Himalaya to Gansu, China. Records place it in Nepal, Tibet, Qinghai, and north-central China. It grows in open, sunny mountain sites. In Nepal, it grows on high, rocky and sandy ground. These sites lie around 12,470–13,780 feet [3,800–4,200 metres] above sea level. The species seldom grows below 9,840 feet [3,000 metres].

Sources differ on its size and growth form. Kew lists a shrub or subshrub, a small, woody plant. Plants For A Future calls it a fast-growing tree. It is deciduous, so it sheds its leaves. That source gives a height of 49 feet [15 metres]. These accounts do not give a clear garden size. Plants For A Future also notes deep splits in the bark. Flowers open in April, and wind carries their pollen. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Both sexes must grow together to produce seed. Seeds ripen from September to October.

Plants For A Future suggests soil that stays moist enough. It also reports good growth near water. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils suit the plant. It accepts poor soil, from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Soil bacteria help it fix nitrogen. The source says it stands up well to strong winds. It also notes its worth as a pioneer plant. Such plants are among the first to grow on new sites. Its hardiness guidance includes USDA zones 7–10. It gives cold tolerance near 14°F [−10°C]. The same source says it suits dry regions at high altitudes. Thus, its best soil moisture level in gardens remains unclear.

People can eat the fruit fresh or cooked. Its sharp taste is like lemon, with much vitamin C. Many people find the raw fruit too sour. Frost or cooking makes it less acid. People also use the fruit in preserves. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not prove safety for every use or animal. The fruit has a history of use in Tibetan medicine. The source also records oils used as medicine. These come from fruit, leaves, and young branches. These past uses do not prove that treatments work.

Other recorded uses include fuel wood and red fruit-based cosmetics. By fixing nitrogen, the plant can help improve poor soil. Suggested garden uses include windbreaks and ground cover. It may also help stop soil from washing away. Plants For A Future reports no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no pest or disease problems specific to this species.