If you would like to support this site, please consider Donating.
Useful Temperate Plants

Ephedra foeminea

Forssk.

Ephedraceae


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.

+ Synonyms

Ephedra campylopoda C.A.Mey.

Ephedra fragilis campylopoda (C.A.Mey.) Stapf

Ephedra macedonica Kosanin

Ephedra major Host

Common Name: Alandah

No Image.

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[
329
Title
The Gymnosperm Database
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.conifers.org/index.htm
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A vast amount of information on conifers and families of gymnosperms.
,
2130
Title
Flora of Egypt Volume One (Azollaceae - Oxalidaceae)
Publication
 
Author
Loufty Boulos
Publisher
Al Hadara Publishing; Cairo, Egypt
Year
1999
ISBN
977-5429-14-5
Description
 
].
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)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

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[
2129
Title
Ephedra foeminea Forssk.
Publication
Flora Palestina Ethnobotany website accessed 16/01/2023
Author
 
Website
https://florapal.org/plant/ephedra-foeminea/
Publisher
 
Year
2023
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Botanical References

2130
Title
Flora of Egypt Volume One (Azollaceae - Oxalidaceae)
Publication
 
Author
Loufty Boulos
Publisher
Al Hadara Publishing; Cairo, Egypt
Year
1999
ISBN
977-5429-14-5
Description
 

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[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Properties

Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *
HabitEvergreen Shrub
Height2.00 m
PollinatorsInsects
Self-fertileNo
Cultivation StatusWild

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[
11
Title
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Publication
 
Author
Bean. W.
Publisher
Murray
Year
1981
ISBN
-
Description
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
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[
329
Title
The Gymnosperm Database
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.conifers.org/index.htm
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A vast amount of information on conifers and families of gymnosperms.
].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The fleshy, red fruits contain 1 - 2 seeds[
2130
Title
Flora of Egypt Volume One (Azollaceae - Oxalidaceae)
Publication
 
Author
Loufty Boulos
Publisher
Al Hadara Publishing; Cairo, Egypt
Year
1999
ISBN
977-5429-14-5
Description
 
].

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[
2129
Title
Ephedra foeminea Forssk.
Publication
Flora Palestina Ethnobotany website accessed 16/01/2023
Author
 
Website
https://florapal.org/plant/ephedra-foeminea/
Publisher
 
Year
2023
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. The plant is used to treat respiratory symptoms such as asthma and also to treat skin rashes[
2131
Title
Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Ephedra foeminea Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Publication
Nutrients 2022, 14, 2338. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112338
Author
Maha N. Abu Hajleh et al
Website
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
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[
2131
Title
Antioxidant and Antihyperglycemic Effects of Ephedra foeminea Aqueous Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Publication
Nutrients 2022, 14, 2338. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112338
Author
Maha N. Abu Hajleh et al
Website
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

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[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
,
254
Title
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
Publication
 
Author
Chevallier. A.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley. London
Year
1996
ISBN
9-780751-303148
Description
An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
].
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[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
,
2128
Title
Revisión Taxonómica y Distribución Geográfica de Ephedra (Ephedraceae) en México
Publication
Acta Botanica Mexicana 96: 79-116 (2011)
Author
Villanueva-Almanza L. & Fonseca R.M.
Publisher
 
Year
2011
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
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[
254
Title
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
Publication
 
Author
Chevallier. A.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley. London
Year
1996
ISBN
9-780751-303148
Description
An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
].

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[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
]. The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
]. 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[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Division in spring or autumn[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].
Layering.
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-12-03. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Ephedra+foeminea>

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.