Ephedraceae FAMILY Least Concern

Ephedra antisyphilitica

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

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 antisyphilitica is a much-branched, erect or spreading, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 25 - 100cm or more tall[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes cultivated for local medicinal use. Ephedra antisyphilitica has a wide range and the population appears to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 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 RangeSouthwest N. America - New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, northern Mexico

HabitatRocky hills, often in calcareous (limestone) soil that is sandy or clayey. Also reported from canyons and dry river plains, rocky slopes, arid areas such as scrubland, scrub woodland or waste ground; at elevations from 40 - 1,400 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. ].