Ephedra nevadensis

Taxobox
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Gnetophyta
classis = Gnetopsida
ordo = Ephedrales
familia = Ephedraceae
genus = "Ephedra"
species = "E. nevadensis"
binomial = "Ephedra nevadensis"
binomial_authority = S. Wats.

"Ephedra nevadensis" (Nevada ephedra) is a species of "Ephedra" native to dry areas of western North America.

Its range extends west to California and Oregon, east to Texas, and south to Mexico, including areas of the Great Basin, Colorado plateau and desert Southwest. It is found in rocky and sandy soils, generally in areas without trees.

More than other North American "Ephedra" species, it is a significant forage plant. It is grazed upon by mule deer ("Ococolius hemionus"), pronghorn ("Antilocapra americana"), and bighorn sheep ("Ovis canadensis") as well as domestic sheep.cite web | url = http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Ephedra%20nevadensis.pdf | title = Ephedra nevadensis S. Wats. | author = Stanley G. Kitchen | work = [http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/wildland_shrubs.htm Wildland Shrubs of the United States and its Territories: Thamnic Descriptions] , General Technical Report IITF-WB-1, Edited by John K. Francis | accessdate = 2008-08-24 | publisher=International Institute of Tropical Forestry ]

Like other North American ephedras, Nevada ephedra lacks the ephedrine alkaloids found in species such as "Ephedra sinica", but does contain
kynurenates which may have antimicrobial potential.

Uses

Nevada ephedra was used for food and medicine by indigenous people and for tea by Mormons. Currently, its biggest use is as forage for sheep and cattle (it is not as good for horses), and for habitat restoration. It is sometimes grown for ornamental purposes.

Reproduction

Nevada ephedra is wind-pollinated, with male plants growing in dryer areas and female plants growing in wetter ones, an arrangement which is believed to increase the production of seed. Cones mature and pollination occurs in March to June, with seeds ripening in May to August, although seeds are not produced every year. In the wild, seeds are often spread by rodents, and for cultivation, seeds can readily be collected and sown. The plant can also be propagated via transplants and cuttings.

References