Common Name: Boundary Ephedra

General Information

Ephedra aspera is a much-branched, erect, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 50 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes sold in local markets in Mexico as a remedy for pneumonia[].
Ephedra aspera is relatively common throughout its wide range and under no serious threat at present. 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

Southwest N. America - California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, northern Mexico

Habitat

Arid desert scrub, often among loose rocks, dry, rocky hillsides, wash bottoms, often growing in dense clumps. Also found on limestone and sandstone in sandy or gravelly soil; at elevations from 20 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
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.
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

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the stems is used in the treatment of kidney disorders, urinogenital diseases, pneumonia, gastric ulcers, and as dressings for wounds, burns etc[, , ].

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[, ].
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[, ].

Other Uses

Tannins obtained from the stems are used as dyes[].

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.