Common Name:

General Information

Ephedra americana is an erect, much-branched, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place; it can grow 2 metres or more tall, spreading by means of rhizomes to form large clumps[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use and is sometimes sold in local markets, especially in the Andes where it is sometimes traded as an adulterant of Equisetum species[, ]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued for its wiry stems and small red fruits, and can be used as a ground cover.
Ephedra americana has a wide range and does not appear to be facing 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

,

Range

Western S. America - Andean regions of northwest Argentina, northern Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador

Habitat

Shrubby grasslands or scrub to semi-desert, often associated with cacti on dry rocky slopes and hills or on sandy/clayey soils; at elevations from 1,500 - 4,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Most Ephedra species are native to warm, dry, inhospitable regions, frequently found on stony slopes and gravel terraces, often on limestone[]. Ephedra americana is found mainly in the subtropical regions of the Andes and is generally not very frost tolerant..
Requires a porous, freely-draining soil in a sunny position[]. Grows well in dry soils and are very drought tolerant once established[].
A dioecious plant, 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 - raw[]. Fleshy[].

The stems are drunk as a tonic tea[].

Medicinal

The plant has antibacterial, diuretic and blood cleansing properties[, ]. A decoction or infusion of the branches and roots is used[]. Drunk as a tonic, possibly to help the kidneys[]. In the Andes, the plant is often used as an admixture with other medicinal plants[].
The
whole plant,both fresh or dried, is used to treat bruises, fractures, broken bones, and for external injuries[1915.

The leaves and branches are used to treat problems involing the liver, prostate and uterus; cysts in the uterus; kidney and urinary tract infections; high blood pressure, and varices[].

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[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

Spreading by means of rhizomes, the plant can be used to form a soil-stabilizing ground cover.

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.