Ephedraceae FAMILY Least Concern

Ephedra distachya

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

4/5

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 distachya is a much-branched evergreen shrub, sometimes prostrate, with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it usually grows up to 25cm tall, but can reach 100cm[ 329 Title The Gymnosperm Database Publication Author Website http://www.conifers.org/index.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A vast amount of information on conifers and families of gymnosperms. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is a commercail source of ephidrine, used medicinally in the treatment of asthma and other conditions[ 61 Title A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Publication Author Usher. G. Publisher Constable Year 1974 ISBN 0094579202 Description Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader. ]. Ephedra distachya has a very wide range from western Europe to eastern Asia. 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 RangeS. Europe - France and Spain, east through southern and eastern Europe, western and central Asia to Mongolia, N. China

HabitatFound in a wide range of arid habitats including steppe communities, sandy areas (dunes or seaside), rocky ledges, gravelly plains, slopes, tolerating areas where other plants are virtually non-existent; at elevations up to 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. ].