Ephedra
Ephedra
Ephedra
Common Name: Ephedra
Genus: Ephedra
Distribution:
Ephedra grows in dry climates of southwestern North America, Europe, North Africa, Southwest and Central Asia and South America.
Description:
It is a perennial evergreen plant that stands, on average, 1 foot high but may grow up to 4 feet. Nearly leafless, the plant has slender, cylindrical, yellow-green branches and underground runners. In August, the flowers bear poisonous, fleshy, red cones resembling berries. The three Ephedra species – Ephedra sinica, Ephedra equisetina, and Ephedra intermedia– are collectively known by their Chinese name ‘ma huang’.
Importance:
The young stems and branchlets are the parts used for medicinal preparations for the treatment of asthma and hay fever, as well as for the common cold.
