Intermediate ephedra
Ephedra intermedia
Family: Ephedraceae
What it is like
A shrubby plant. It grows 50 cm high. It has many branches. The stems are green and the branches are opposite or in a ring. The leaves are thin and 2-4 mm long. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The ripe fruit or cones are oval red berries. They are 5-6 mm long. There are 2-3 seeds.
There are about 40 Ephedra species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is a semi-desert plant. In the Himalayas it grows between 3,300-4,650 m above sea level. It grows in and near Tibet. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Siberia, Tajikistan, Tibet, Turkestan
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten. They are sweet.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Asmania, Chhapat, Zhong ma huang