We are using the name Ephedra ciliata for this taxon in line with Plants of the World online (see https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:383372-1; accessed 23/01/2023). However, some authorities are using the name Ephedra foliata Boiss. ex C.A.Mey.[].

Common Name: Shrubby Horsetail

General Information

Ephedra ciliata is a much-branched, climbing or trailing, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow up to 300cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials
Ephedra ciliata is a widespread species with no perceived threats at present. It occurs in numerous protected areas
cross the range and is known from recent collections indicating the species is still extant and the population is stable. 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

N. Africa from Mauritania and Morocco, east through Arabia, southwest and central Asia to northwest India

Habitat

Thorn savannah, rocky slopes, scrambling on trees and shrubs; at elevations from sea level to around 2,300 metres in Pakistan[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.15 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.
Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Established plants are drought resistant 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 - raw or cooked[]. The white, globose fruit contains two seeds[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction of the floral buds and green twigs is used in the treatment of various conditions such as asthma, respiratory ailments including nasal congestion, flu, bronchitis and cough, headaches and the management of rheumatoid arthritis[, ].

A methanol extract of the plant is rich in the flavanoid quercetin. This extract has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities which promoted the healing of wounds. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effects of the extract provided a microbe free environment and thus suggested it would boost natural healing mechanisms[].

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. There is some confusion with this species - some reports say that it does not contain ephedrine[, , , ].
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

The plant contains tannins[].

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.