Ephedra, Sea Grape - Ephedra distachya

Small, ground dwelling plant with exotic needle-like leaves. Red fruits are edible, plant contains ephedra compounds used medicinally.

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.

Plant Cultivation

Description: Small arid climate plant rarely exceeding 1ft in height.
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.
Hardiness: Hardy to 0-10F, and to 105-110F.
Propagation: By seed.

Origin and Distribution

Native Range: Native range from southeastern Europe through Asia.

Family: Ephedraceae
Ephedra andina	Pingo Pingo
Ephedra distachya	Ephedra, Sea Grape

	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.

	Origin and Distribution
Native Range: Native range from southeastern Europe through Asia.