There has been considerable confusion over the correct name for this species, and it has often been called Ephedra major Host. However, Ephedra major is a confusing name that has also been applied to the taxon Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. There has been a formal proposal that the name Ephedra major be rejected and that the names Ephedra nebrodensis and Ephedra foemina be retained (see Brullo & Del Guacchio; (2804) Proposal to reject the name Ephedra major (Ephedraceae); Taxon 70 (2); April 2021: 431-432). This is the treatment we are following here.

Common Name: Alandah

General Information

Ephedra foeminea is a much-branched, evergreen, climbing to scrambling shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it usually grows up to 200cm tall, exceptionally to 500cm[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine
Ephedra foeminea is widespread and has a stable population at present. No significant threats have been identified. 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

Southeast Europe - Italy, the Balkans; E. Asia - Turkey to the Arabian Peninsula; N. Africa - Algeria, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats from sparse maquis, garigue to Mediterranean woodlands (including Juniperus phoenicea); growing on cliffs, in ravines and on bare rocks.; at elevations from sea level to 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
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[]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms must 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.
This species, and Ephedra aphylla Forssk., are the only two insect-pollinated species of Ephedra, the pollinators being attracted by nectar droplets exuded by both male and female flowers. All other Ephedra species are wind-pollinated, likely an adaptation to their windy, semiarid habitats[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The fleshy, red fruits contain 1 - 2 seeds[].

Medicinal

The plant is said to be antiinflammatory, antilithic, demulcent, diuretic. A decoction of the whole plant, sometimes combined with rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), is used in the treatment of cancer, A decoction of the stems is used to treat kidney and urinary tract inflammation and urinary tract stones[]. The plant is used to treat respiratory symptoms such as asthma and also to treat skin rashes[].
In trials, an extract of the plant has been shown to markedly enhance glucose and lipid homeostasis in the treatment of diabetes. In addition the extract reduced oxidative stress, corrected lipid levels, and improved liver and kidney functions, being more effective when used over a 14 day period than when used for 4 days[].

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[, ].
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

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.