Aerial Nodulation in Hippophae salicifolia D. Don (Eleagnaceae) and its Ecological and Medical Implications in the Alpine Regions of Sikkim Himalaya

Seabuckthorn (Eleagnaceae), used in different countries for the production of several medicines, cosmetics and food products. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, E and K, protein, organic acid, carotenoids, flavonoids and steroids. Simultaneously, Hippophae L.is actinorhizal plants and fix N₂ in symbiosis with Frankia. Hippophae salicifolia, H. rhamnoides and H. tibetana occur naturally in the Himalaya, of which H. salicifolia is endemic to Indian Himalaya. Surveys were conducted to study ecology of Hippophae salicifolia in its distribution ranges in Lachen and Lachung valleys of North Sikkim (India). We recorded the occurrence of aerial nodules in Hippophae salicifolia located at Teeling, Lachung. Microscopic observations showed Frankia in the aerial nodules of Hippophae salicifolia. We suggest that development of aerial ischolar_mains around wound sites and crevices on the trunk (rhytidome) paved the way for aerial nodulation in the species. We report the first aerial nodulation in Hippophae salicifolia from Himalaya.

Since Hippophae salicifolia is a pioneer species to colonise N₂ poor soils and exposed surfaces, its application in checking land erosion and retention of soil fertility is of paramount importance in the Himalayan ecosystems.