Common Name: Longleaf Jointfir

General Information

Ephedra trifurca is a much-branched evergreen shrub with very small, scale-like leaves and green, wiry stems where most of the photosynthesis takes place; it can grow around 200cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine
Ephedra trifurca is distributed across a fairly large range across southwestern USA and northern Mexico and has been observed across the range in recent years. Reported as common and abundant, it also occurs in numerous protected areas. There are 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[].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

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Range

South-western N. America - southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico.

Habitat

Dry sandy and rocky places below 600 metres in Creosote bush scrub, deserts etc[]. Dry rocky slopes to flat sandy areas; at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 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[, ]. 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.
Ephedra trifurce hybridises in the wild with other members of the genus. In particular, it hybridises with E. torreyana to form E . × intermixta. This hybrid occurs in a small area of southwestern New Mexico (near Engle, Sierra County) within the zone of sympatry of the two parental species; it may be fertile (mature seeds are formed). It is intermediate in most characters but can be identified by its combination of the spinelike terminal buds of E . trifurca and the scabrous, light yellow seeds of E . torreyana[].

Edible Uses

A tea is made from the branches[, ]. A popular beverage locally, where it is known as 'Desert Tea' or 'Teamster's Tea'

Fruit - raw or cooked.

Medicinal

The dried and crushed stems are diuretic[].An infusion has been used in the treatment of venereal disease, stomach complaints and kidney problems[].
The pulverized or boiled stems were also applied externally as a poultice on syphilitic sores by some native Americans[]. The stems can also be used as a poultice on other skin sores[].

The stems have an astringent taste and contain tannin; a decoction is used widely in Mexico as a cure for venereal and renal diseases[].

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 - 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.