| Ephedra | |
| Ephedra distachya | |
| a.k.a. Sea Grape |
Small, ground dwelling
plant with exotic needle-like leaves. Red fruits are edible, plant
contains ephedra compounds used medicinally.
Description: Small arid climate plant rarely exceeding 1ft in height.
Hardiness: Hardy to 0-10F, and to 105-110F.
Growing Environment: This ephedra
is extremely hardy, suviving deep freezes and very high temperatures.
Water only occasionally. Grow in full sun. Plants are single-sexed,
male and female plants are required for fruiting. Fruits are edible
and mildly sweet.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Ephedra compounds, (mainly ephedrine) are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Concentrated ephedrine, once found in some diet products can be dangerous when improperly used.
Native Range: Native range from southeastern Europe through Asia.