Common Name:

General Information

Ephedra altissima is a much-branched, evergreen, climbing shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; the stems can grow up to 2 metres long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and possibly as a medicine.
Ephedra altissima has a wide range and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

Many species in this genus contain phenylethylamine alkaloids (e.g. ephedrine, pseudoephedrine). These compounds have stimulant properties and are effective medications in the treatment of a number of conditions. However, they do also have potential side effects and are contraindicated in a number of conditions including anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis[].

Botanical References

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Range

N. Africa - Canary Islands, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Chad

Habitat

Rocky, calcareous slopes; at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ephedra species are mainly temperate to subtropical plants, native to arid and semi-arid regions and are also found in seasonally dry habitats such as Mediterranean climates. They are often found at moderate to high elevations, especially when they occur in tropical regions. A plant of this species is growing at Hilliers Arboretum in Hampshire (hardiness zone 7). 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[].
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[]. Plants are drought resistant once established and are also lime tolerant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Plants require a good summer in order to fully ripen their wood - this will encourage good flowering and fruiting the following summer.

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. No more details are given.

Medicinal

Ephedra species, especially those found in Asia, have a long history of medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, hay fever, catarrh and coughs. They are also considered to be antisyphilitic, antipyretic and circulatory stimulants. The main active substances are alkaloids, particularly ephedrine and the closely related pseudoephedrine, though many other alkaloids can be present[, ].
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are found mainly in the Asian species; those species in the Americas generally have much lower or zero levels, though they do contaim various other alkaloids. These American species often have a high reputation as a refreshing tonic tea that promotes kidney and urinary tract health[, ].
The isolated Ephedrine is often used medicinally as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia, and to treat conditions including asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity. However, the isolated compound can have various side effects and it has been shown that the whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated alkaloid and rarely gives rise to side-effects[].

Ephedra does not cure asthma but in many cases it is very effective in treating the symptoms and thus making life somewhat easier for the sufferer. The stems can be used fresh or dried and are usually made into a tea, though the young stems can also be eaten raw[]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in the spring or early summer after the last expected frosts and give some protection in their first winter[].
Division in spring or autumn[].
Layering.