Ephedraceae FAMILY Least Concern

Ephedra fragilis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

Many species in this genus contain phenylethylamine alkaloids (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine). These compounds have stimulant properties and are effective medications in the treatment of a number of conditions. However, they do also have potential side effects and are contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis[ 2129 Title Ephedra foeminea Forssk. Publication Flora Palestina Ethnobotany website accessed 16/01/2023 Author Website https://florapal.org/plant/ephedra-foeminea/ Publisher Year 2023 ISBN Description ].

Botanical Description

Ephedra fragilis is an evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 180cm tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine Ephedra fragilis has a large distribution, occurs in protected areas, has been collected recently and does not appear to be in decline from any threatening processes at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeMacaronesia, eastern Mediterranean regions of Portugal, Spain, Italy, Western Sahara, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria

HabitatRocky hills and stone walls[ 148 Title Herbs of Greece. Publication Author Niebuhr. A. D. Publisher Herb Society of America. Year 1970 ISBN - Description A pleasant little book about Greek herbs. ]. Rocky arid areas, limestone cliffs, coastal dunes, rocky slopes, sandy areas near the sea and along roadside; at elevations up to 300 metres[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].