Ephedra altissima
Desf.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaEphedra altissima is a species of Ephedra that is native to the western Sahara (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Chad, Mauritania), and also to the Canary Islands. The species is cultivated as an ornamental plant and medicinal plant.
Description
An evergreen shrub with year-round foliage. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed production; self-sterile. Grows in light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Requires full sun and adapts to dry or moist soils while tolerating drought.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible, though no further details are available.
Medicinal Uses
The stems of most members of this genus contain the alkaloid ephedrine and are valuable in treating asthma and many other respiratory complaints. Using the whole plant at much lower concentrations than isolated ephedrine rarely causes side-effects, unlike using the isolated compound. Ephedra does not cure asthma but is often very effective at managing symptoms. Stems can be used fresh or dried, and are usually prepared as a tea, though they can also be eaten raw. Young stems are best eaten raw; older stems are more suited to tea. Stems can be harvested at any time of year and dried for later use.
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in the Sahara and arid places.
Where It Grows
Africa, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa,
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position. Plants are drought resistant once established and are also lime tolerant. A plant is growing at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire. It has been there for many years so can be considered fully hardy. It is growing in the shade of Pinus mugo and seems to be thriving. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown in fruit and seed are required.
Propagation
Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a greenhouse, or in spring in a greenhouse using a sandy compost. Prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow on for at least their first winter under glass. Plant out in spring or early summer after the last expected frosts, with some protection during their first winter. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn, or by layering.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 40 Ephedra species.
Also Known As
Aallenda, Chdida
References (3)
- Fl. atlant. 2:371, t. 253. 1799
- Nassif, F., & Tanji, A., 2013, Gathered food plants in Morocco: The long forgotten species in Ethnobotanical Research. Life Science Leaflets 3:17-54
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
