American ephedra, Pinco-pinco
Ephedra americana

Family: Ephedraceae

What it is like

A sprawling shrub. It normally grows 2.4 m high but can be a small tree 3.5 m high. The young shoots are green and finely ridged. The leaves are small and fall quickly. They are 6 mm long. The fruit are berries which are 12 mm long. They are red or orange.

There are about 40 Ephedra species. Also put in the family Gnetaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant that grows in the Andes. It is frost hardy. They need light sandy or stony soil with good drainage. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Central America, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Belcho, Canadillo, Canatilla, Chita mikuna, Cola de buey, Cola de caballo, Condorsara, Pingopingo

Synonyms

Ephedra americana var. humboldtii Stapf; Ephedra peruviana Berteri ex Carr.; Ephedra andina Ephedra chilensis;