Spring 2012 Seabuckthorn Seedlings and Best Climate Thoughts

This spring's seedlings are doing great!  This a close up photo of a few which were started late February and they seem to be very happy.  I have 3 seed batches growing.  One is from the leftover 2011 seeds.  Another from this year's 2012 seeds, and the last from Radicalfarmergal who was sent some from her harvested seeds last year.

2012 seeds-----------2011 seeds-----------Radicalfarmergal 

The size and shape of the different seeds is interesting.  Interesting because they are different.  Seabuckthorn   can be classified into a few groups based on seed characters.  If you are interested in reading a study done in Turkey, it can be found here.  The study implies variants may be genetic or environmental.  Hmm, the nature vs. nurture question applies to Seabuckthorn as well.  It goes on to suggest genetic testing may be required to be certain of the classification of variants.  The next photo shows different seed morphological differences and their corresponding fruits.  

1. Ürgüp; semi-dry, moderate summer heat, 3nd best consistent precipitation  
2. Trabzon; semi-humid,  moderate summer heat ,  best consistent summer precipitation 
3. Sivas; humid, low summer heat,  4th best consistent precipitation
4. Ilgaz; semi-humid,  moderate summer heat , 2nd best consistent precipitation

So in this Turkish Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. 

rhamnoides study, conclusions are difficult but, to my amateur analysis, better water results in larger fruit and seeds.  Not such a surprising observation, but if you might be wondering if this drought tolerant plant likes arid conditions best, it appears not to be true.

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