Ephedra fragilis
| Ephedra fragilis | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 6' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Ephedra fragilis
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[1]. It can also be sown in spring in a greenhouse in a sandy compost[K]. 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].
Division in spring or autumn[2].
Layering.
Cultivation: Requires a well-drained loamy soil and a sunny position[3]. Established plants are drought resistant and are also lime tolerant[1].
Plants are not very hardy in Britain, tolerating a few degrees of frost[1].
The report on medicinal uses refers specifically to E. fragilis campylopoda. (C.A.Meyer.)Ascherson.&Graebner. This plant is growing outdoors at Kew, probably planted in 1968, and seems to be perfectly hardy[K]. It is said to come from N. Asia which is rather confusing since the report on medicinal uses is dealing with native plants of Greece[K].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: Europe - E. Mediterranean.
Habitat: Rocky hills and stone walls[4].
Edibility: Fruit - raw. Sweet. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[1].
Medicinal: Members of this genus contain various medicinally active alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) and they are widely used in preparations for the treatment of asthma and catarrh[4][2]. The whole plant can be used at much lower concentrations than the isolated constituents - unlike using the isolated ephedrine, using the whole plant rarely gives rise to side-effects[5]. The plant also has antiviral effects, particularly against influenza[2]. The stems are a pungent, bitter, warm herb that dilates the bronchial vessels whilst stimulating the heart and central nervous system[4][2]. The stems are also diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypertensive, nervine, pectoral, tonic, vasoconstrictor and vasodilator[6][7][2]. They are used internally in the treatment of asthma, hay fever and allergic complaints[2]. They are also combined with a number of other herbs and used in treating a wide range of complaints[2]. This herb should be used with great caution, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[2]. It should not be prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or suffering from high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism or glaucoma[2]. Ephedrine is seen as a performance-boosting herb and, as such, is a forbidden substance in many sporting events such as athletics[K].
The stems can be harvested at any time of the year and are dried for later use[2].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Niebuhr, Alta. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America, 1970.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Mills, Simon. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
- ↑ Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.