Ecomare

Oleasters are able to produce their own nitrogen, with the help of a bacteria in the root tubers. Most plants can't do that, which is why members of this family are found growing in all kinds of places where other plants don't last. They are known as pioneers, being the first plants to take root in an area. Most members of this family grow on steppes. The leaves have scales or fine hair to protect them from dehydration. The branches are often thorny. The only native species to Northern and Central Europe is sea buckthorn. Russian olive is common along the river Schelde. It grows in the vicinity of the sea and was originally planted as decorative shrubs and trees.