Tags: Gnetophytes.
Ephedra is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs the only genus in its family Ephedraceae and order Ephedrales. The c. 50 species of Ephedra grow in dry climates over wide areas of the northern hemisphere including southwestern North America Europe northern Africa and southwest and central Asia and in the southern hemisphere in South America south to Patagonia. In temperate climates most Ephedra species grow on shores or in sandy soils with direct sun exposure.
