Ephedra

Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs.The various species of Ephedra are widespread in many arid regions of the world, ranging across Iran, southern Europe, and northern Africa, southwest and central Asia. It is the only extant genus in its family, Ephedraceae, and order, Ephedrales and one of the three living members of the division Gnetophyta alongside Gnetum and Welwitschia.In temperate climates, most Ephedra species grow on shores or in sandy soils with direct sun exposure.Common names in English include joint-pine,jointfir,Mormon-tea or Brigham tea.Ephedra Major Subsp.procera(C.A. Mey.)   Bornm(synonym:E.procera)found in  Balochistan.The Ephedra Is a  source of various medicinal phytoconstituents,derived from flavano-flavonoland Ephedrannin.Chemical composition regarding TAC,TPC, and TFC using spectrophotometry were  investigated  from different  parts of Ephedra species.The family Ephedraceae, of which Ephedra is the only genus, are gymnosperms, and generally shrubs, sometimes clambering vines, and rarely, small trees. Members of the genus frequently spread by the use of rhizomes. The stems are green and photosynthetic.

The leaves are opposite or whorled. The scalelike leaves fuse into a sheath at the base and this often sheds soon after development. There are no resin canals.