Download
Life-changing seeds: From the unfavorable to the profitable
CGTN

Many farmers used to despise seabuckthorn, a spiny deciduous shrub that has only recently gained popularity. What made it the least popular among people has now turned it into a valuable asset that has enriched many in rural areas in China.

Sea buckthron fruits.
Sea buckthron fruits.

Sea buckthron fruits.

The plant has been on the planet for over 86 million years, dating back to when dinosaurs roamed the planet. It is well-known for its exceptional adaptation to harsh environments, particularly saline-alkali soil. Let alone its resistance to cold, drought, wind, and sand. Even so, many people disliked the tough plant because its sharp thorns are more likely to damage sheep's wool when they try to eat the leaves and injure people who approach them. Furthermore, its fruits are too sour to eat. 

People are harvesting sea buckthron fruits in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province in northeast China.
People are harvesting sea buckthron fruits in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province in northeast China.

People are harvesting sea buckthron fruits in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province in northeast China.

However, the discovery of the plant's hidden quality has completely altered people's perceptions. Although seabuckthorn fruits are not edible, they contain a wealth of nutrients such as vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins that the human body requires. In the global plant community, it is regarded as the king of VC. As a result, any byproduct derived from fruits is quite healthy.

Furthermore, growing and managing the plants do not necessitate much effort. As a result, it is well suited to large-scale cultivation in places like northwest China, where the population is low and the land is vast.

Sea buckthron juice.
Sea buckthron juice.

Sea buckthron juice.

Now, the plant's growing area is close to 90,000 hectares in cities like Lvliang in northern China's Shanxi Province, accounting for 5% of the country's total area. The industry based on seabuckthorn has emerged as a pillar industry for environmental improvement as well as agricultural and rural economic development.

(All photos via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)

Search Trends