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EPHEDRA

Ephedra species (Mormon tea)

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There are about 40 species of Ephedra in the arid regions of North America, South America and Mediterranean countries. All are shrubs, typically growing to 1 metre or more in height, and they have a broom-like appearance, consisting of jointed (noded) photosynthetic stems, with 2 or 3 small, scale-like leaves arising from each node. These plants typically grow on dry plains, gravels or sandy soils up to elevations of about 1800 metres in desert regions of North America.


General habit of Ephedra, growing on a rocky slope

The Ephedra family (Ephedraceae) is interesting because its exact relationship to other plant families is still not completely understood. These plants are conifers, but are more primitive that pine trees and other common conifers. Currently, the Ephedra family is grouped with two other types of primitive plant - Gnetum and Welwitschia (which occurs in the Namib desert of southern Africa). The flowers of Ephedra consist of small male and female cones, and the seeds are surrounded by scales.


Part of an Ephedra bush, showing cones surrounding the seeds


Close-up of male flowers of Ephedra (there are separate male and female plants)

One of the common names for Ephedra is "mormon tea", referring to the fact that a tea with stimulant properties is made by steeping the dried stems in water. Ephedra species have been used in this way for medicinal purposes by native American and other peoples. The plants contain caffeine and various ephedrine alkaloids that can act as stimulants. For example, some of these compounds act like adrenaline and they find commercial use as bronchodilators for treatment of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Several proprietary products based on Ephedra extracts can be bought over the counter as "natural remedies". They have been marketed as health supplements, dietary aids, etc. The plants also can contain substances related to pseudoephedrine, with molecular structures similar to amphetamine (the illicit drug, "speed"). There is much controversy surrounding the potentially beneficial and potentially detrimental effects of "ephedra". Click HERE for more details.

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