Common Name: P{incu-pincu

General Information

Ephedra rupestris is a much-branched, evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most photosynthesis takes place. Forming dense cushions up to 60cm high, it is often more or less prostrate[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine,
Ephedra rupestris is a wide ranging species occurring across the Andes at high elevations and is under no major threats 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

Range

S. America - Andean regions from northwest Argentina to Ecuador

Habitat

Among moss on rock, in grassy páramo with rocky outcrops in windswept areas, in gravelly or sandy soil. Also in grassy areas and associated with cushion plants, bunch grass, cactus, lichen and composites at elevations from 1,900 - 4,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.30 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 fruits and seeds 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 bright red fruits are around 5 - 6mm long.

Medicinal

The plant is used to make a tea to treat lung problems[].
The plant is used as a remedy for the problems of liver, stomachache, childbed, abortive, uterus prolapse, menstrual pain, 'regla blanca', kidney infection, purative, diuretic, and prostate[].

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

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse
Division
Layering