Hippophae rhamnoides
 
Common Sea-Buckthorn

Papery Membrane and Achene

One Mile West of Melita, MB
29-July-2015

The fruit consists of an achene surrounded by fleshy tissue derived from the hypanthium.  This is an example of an accessory fruit.  Note the papery membrane is easily removed.

Hippophae rhamnoides is a species introduced to North American from Eurasia that occasionally escapes from cultivation.  This plant was found in the Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area.  This property blew hard during the 1930s.  As part of a successful attempt to rehabilitate the land, many exotic species were planted here.

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Hippophae: Answers to key questions in Flora of Alberta leading to this genus. 
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leaves alternate; NOT [leaves opposite]

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flowers unisexual; NOT [flowers perfect or polygamous]

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tube shorter; NOT [tube much longer than the ovary]

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sepals 2; NOT [sepals 4]

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stamens 4; NOT [stamens 8]

 

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Elaeagnaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family. 
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shrubs or trees; NOT [herbs]

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plants with erect stems; NOT [plants with decumbent stems]

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plants not climbing

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leaves simple; NOT [leaves pinnately compound]

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leaves wider; NOT [leaves linear]

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leaves silvery or brownish scurfy

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leaves deciduous; NOT [leaves evergreen]

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flowers not in catkins or aments; NOT [male flowers, at least, in catkins or aments]

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flowers with only one floral ring

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fruit without a feathery style; NOT [fruit with a persistent feathery style]

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fruit fleshy when ripe; NOT [fruit dry when ripe]