Common Name: Frutilla De Campo

General Information

Ephedra breana is a much-branched, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place; it can grow 60 - 200cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from
Ephedra breana has a relatively large range and recent collections have been made indicating the species is still extant. Despite general threats in the region this species is not thought to be specifically threatened. 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

Range

S. America - Andes from northwet Argentina to southeast Peru

Habitat

Often found in areas of low vegetation with small shrubs such as Puna grassland with cushion shrubs and Cereus. Also found on rocky outcrops in dry areas, preferring calcium-rich soils; at elevations from 500 - 4,300 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. This species is able to tolerate temperatures as low as -13°c, through the mechanism of supercooling. It is found in arid regions with drought periods of 6 - 10 months and a mean annual precipitation of less than 300mm most of which occurs during winter[].
Requires a sunny position in a freely-draining soil. It grows well in dry soils and is very drought tolerant once established[]. Plants prefer calcium-rich soils in the wild. They are able to tolerate arid areas with full exposure[].
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

The fruit is 6 - 7mm in diameter, containing 1 - 2 seeds[].

Medicinal

The plant is diuretic, purgative, stomachic. It is used to treat problems related to the ovaries and kidneys, and to treat conditions such as colds, anaemia, stomach pains, and urine retention[]

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

The stems are used for fuel[].

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.