Ephedra viridis var. viridis Family: Ephedraceae – Jointfir Family Ephedra is the only genus from this family represented at Arches National Park. Dioecious shrubs; gymnosperm; 3.9” to 4.9' (1 to 15 dm) tall Leaves: Leaves are reduced to 2 small triangular teeth at joints; scalelike leaves are opposite or in whorls Flowers: Gymnosperm: Male (staminate) and female (pistillate) cones on different plants Pollinators: wind; not self-fertile Fruits: brown paired seeds Blooms in Arches National Park: March, April, May, June, July Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: widespread Other: The genus name, “Ephedra”, is the Greek name used by Pliny (an author and natural philosopher) for the common mare's tail (Hippuris) which it somewhat resembles. The species name, “viridis”, means “green” and refers to the plant's overall color. The boiled stems have been used to make a tea which can work as a decongestant. The commercial drug ephedrine comes from an Ephedra which grows in China. |
Last updated: February 13, 2022