Most species are shrubs, less often climbing shrubs, no trees. Ephedraceae-species have fibrous roots. The length of the internodia range , dependent on the species, from 1 to 10 centimeters.
Distribution
Mediterrean Europe, North Africa, warm-temperate Asia, North America and western South America
On aride localities in North- and Southamerica (including higher, montainous localities in southamerica), aride localities in Northafrica (even sahara), the mediterranean and Asia. The family contains 40 species.
Floral characters
bipartitioned flowers, single to accumulated, terminal or in the branching axils, anemochoric, dioetic. Sometimes inflorescences are hermaphroditic( female, sterile flowers are inserted in male inflorescences for nectar production); these species are zoochoric!
Leaf characters
The leaves are extremely reduced and non-chlorophyllic. Leaves are opposite or whorled. Only the branches are able for photosynthesis.
Stipules
absent
Glands
absent
Hairs
absent
Latex
absent
Uses
F.e. ephedra sinica (s.a.).
Chemical characters
Some ephedraceae-species produce alkaloids (f.e. ephedra sinica), like the medically used Ephedrin. It functions sympatomimetically. Used for asthma, doping(bronchial dilatator), suppresses hunger and immunereactions . Consumptionform is tea (mormon tea).
Distribution maps
(online von http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/ . Dort zitiert wie unter jedem Diagramm vermerkt):
