Ephedraceae FAMILY Least Concern

Ephedra breana

Edibility

0/5

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 breana is a much-branched, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place; it can grow 60 - 200cm tall[ 1915 Title Ethnobotany of the Andes Publication Author Bussmann R.W. & Paniagua-Zambrana N.Y. (Editors) Website https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28933-1 Publisher Springer Nature; Switzerland Year 2020 ISBN 978-3-030-28932-4 Description ] The plant is harvested from Ephedra breana has a relatively large range and recent collections have been made indicating the species is still extant. Despite general threats in the region this species is not thought to be specifically threatened. 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 RangeS. America - Andes from northwet Argentina to southeast Peru

HabitatOften found in areas of low vegetation with small shrubs such as Puna grassland with cushion shrubs and Cereus. Also found on rocky outcrops in dry areas, preferring calcium-rich soils; at elevations from 500 - 4,300 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. ].