Common Name: Mormon Tea

General Information

Ephedra antisyphilitica is a much-branched, erect or spreading, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 25 - 100cm or more tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes cultivated for local medicinal use.
Ephedra antisyphilitica has a wide range and the population appears to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

Southwest N. America - New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, northern Mexico

Habitat

Rocky hills, often in calcareous (limestone) soil that is sandy or clayey. Also reported from canyons and dry river plains, rocky slopes, arid areas such as scrubland, scrub woodland or waste ground; at elevations from 40 - 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, 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.
Requires a sunny position in a freely-draining soil. It grows well in dry soils and is very drought tolerant once established[].
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

Seeds - ground into a powder and made into bread[].

Medicinal

An infusion of the stems and roots is used locally as a diuretic and to 'purify' the body[].

The stems are often used to treat kidney infections, and are also used in the treatment of genito-urinary system disorders such as syphilis (historical use which has subsequently been proven unsuccessful) and gonorrhoea (it is a well-known remedy for this among many Indians and Mexicans)[].

The leaves and stem are chewed or a decoction is prepared as an anti-diarrheal[, ].

The stems have an astringent taste and contain tannin; a decoction is used widely in Mexico as a cure for venereal and renal diseases[].

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[, ].

Other Uses

The tannins from the stem are used for dyeing material[].

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.