Ephedra multiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the subclass Gnetidae and the order Ephedrales. Finally, Ephedra multiflora is a member of the family Ephedraceae and is placed within the genus Ephedra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific and limited range within the Southern South America region. Its presence is notably documented across the northern territories of Chile. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the northwest regions of Argentina. It also inhabits the southern parts of the Argentine landscape. Together, these locations define the core geographical distribution of Ephedra multiflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ephedra multiflora is defined by its presence in high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific niche within rugged mountainous terrains. This species is strategically adapted to thrive across a significant vertical gradient, maintaining a distribution within an elevational range that begins at 2300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4000 m AMSL. Such an altitudinal span suggests a high degree of resilience to the varying climatic conditions found in alpine and sub-alpine zones, including fluctuating temperatures and intense solar radiation. By inhabiting these elevated reaches, the plant occupies landscapes characterized by specialized soil compositions and moisture regimes typical of high-mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

4000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ephedra multiflora is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist across multiple growing seasons within its natural habitat. In terms of its structural growth and ecological strategy, the plant exhibits life forms categorized as both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, reflecting its ability to maintain visible stem structures that contribute to its long-term survival and architectural presence in the landscape.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ephedra multiflora is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily functioning as a self-supporting shrub. It is a terrestrial plant that does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte. The species is an independent organism, lacking parasitic behavior, and it maintains a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. Its physical architecture is defined by its woody nature, which provides the necessary structural integrity for its shrubby habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ephedra multiflora has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Ephedra multiflora has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of food science

Conditions

Ephedra multiflora has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include pain.

Pain

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Ephedra multiflora has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol 20% extracts, hydroalcoholic extracts.

Ethanol 20% extracts

1. Journal of food science

Hydroalcoholic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology