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.
Typical leaf characters
- ArrangementVariable
- TypeVariable
- MarginVariable
VenationParallel
Characters typical of the family — individual species can vary.
Notable members
All 1 species in EPHEDRACEAE
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