The male sea buckthorn bush, known as «Dad», plays a key role in berry production but does not bear fruit itself. It differs from the female plant in flower buds and leaves: male bushes have large, sometimes triple pistils, and the leaves are flat with an inverted central vein; the cross-section resembles a seagull. «Dad» flowers are usually greenish-silver and do not bear fruit.
Sea buckthorn is a tall dioecious plant that can reach up to 4 meters in height and withstands winter temperature fluctuations well. Male bushes pollinate up to five or six female plants via wind, which increases root system disease resistance and improves berry quality. For effective pollination, it is recommended to place a «Dad» near several «Moms»; the optimal ratio is one male bush for three to four females.
Male plants are widely used as living hedges, grow on sandy and pebbly soils, and along water bodies. In traditional Tibetan medicine, not only berries but also roots, leaves, bark, and flowers of sea buckthorn, called the «miracle berry», are valued. When buying seedlings, it is important to note that male bushes are more sprawling and have thorns, and their price is typically from 350 to 400 rubles per specimen.
