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.
