Ephedraceae
Joint-Pine Family
The Ephedraceae family (Joint-Pine Family) is a botanical family placed in the order Ephedrales. It is represented by a single species in the SASYA catalogue. That species is a shrub. Several members are valued in traditional medicine.
Browse all 1 species ↓
Jointed, nearly leafless green stems that take over photosynthesis, with leaves reduced to tiny scales at each joint; reproduction is by small cone-like structures rather than flowers, some bearing brightly coloured, fleshy, berry-like scales.
As a gymnosperm this family has no true flowers or fruit — its stems contain the alkaloid ephedrine, the compound after which the pharmaceutical stimulant class is named.
To check whether a plant belongs to Ephedraceae, compare the leaf arrangement, leaf type, flower symmetry, fruit type, and one distinctive marker together. A single feature can mislead; the family pattern is the combination.
Learn the full family-identification methodTypical leaf characters
- ArrangementVariable
- TypeVariable
- MarginVariable
VenationParallel
Characters typical of the family — individual species can vary.
Notable members
Families that can look similar
Agavaceae
Compare against Agavaceae when the plant shares similar leaves, flowers, or fruit. Confirm by checking the full family pattern.
Compare AgavaceaeBromeliaceae
Compare against Bromeliaceae when the plant shares similar leaves, flowers, or fruit. Confirm by checking the full family pattern.
Compare BromeliaceaePandanaceae
Compare against Pandanaceae when the plant shares similar leaves, flowers, or fruit. Confirm by checking the full family pattern.
Compare PandanaceaeAll 1 species in EPHEDRACEAE
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