Little ephedra, Mongolian tea, One-seeded ephedra
Ephedra monosperma
Family: Ephedraceae
What it is like
A low herb that has many branches. It grows 5-15 cm high. The woody portion is 1-5 cm long. The leaves are opposite. The ripe cones are red and 6-9 cm long by 5-8 mm across. The seed occurs singly and is 3 sided.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Mongolia
How it is used for food
The seed cone is mixed with tea to make Mongolian tea. It is drunk with milk or cream.
Edible parts
Seeds - drink