Seabuckthorn

Seabuckthorn

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Biodiversity; Environment 

In news

• The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to start planting seabuckthorn in the cold desert areas of the state. 

Important value additions Seabuckthorn 

• It is a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry.
• In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
• In Himachal Pradesh, it is locally called chharma. 

• Ecological, medicinal and economic benefits: (1) Treating stomach, heart and skin problems; (2) Its fruit and leaves are rich in vitamins, carotenoids and omega fatty acids; (3) Helps troops in acclimatising to high-altitude; (4) Important source of fuelwood and fodder; (5) Prevents soil-erosion; (6) Checks siltation in rivers; (7) Helps preserve floral biodiversity; (8) Used in making juices, jams, nutritional capsules etc.