Fauna
Plant

Jointed Ephedra

Ephedra ciliata

Also known as Climbing Ephedra, Shrubby Horsetail, Desert Jointfir

Jointed Ephedra scrambles over desert rocks and host shrubs with slender, green jointed stems that carry out most of the plant's photosynthesis. Tiny scale-like leaves cluster at the nodes, while mature female plants produce vibrant red, fleshy cones that resemble small berries. Deep root systems allow this ancient gymnosperm lineage to thrive in harsh, hyper-arid environments across North Africa and Western Asia.

DesertGymnospermClimbing
Jointed Ephedra reference1 / 5
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (Sunlight, Water, Soil Minerals)
Predators
  • Goats
  • Camels
  • Desert Birds
ThreatsOvergrazing, Habitat Loss, Climate Change
HabitatsDeserts, Arid Scrub, Rocky Slopes, Dry Steppes
Life span20–50 years
Classification
  1. FamilyEphedraceae
  2. SpeciesEphedra ciliata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains ephedrine alkaloids and wild berries have look-alike risks; never ingest wild plant parts.
Why it is dangerous
Contains ephedrine and related alkaloids that alter heart rate and blood pressure if consumed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for thin green whip-like jointed stems scrambling over shrubs, bearing fleshy red cones.
What to do
Observe and photograph safely from a distance; do not ingest any stems or seed cones.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for bright red fleshy seed cones on female plants during late spring.
  • Identification: Examine the slender, green jointed stems with minute, opposite scale leaves.
Related species
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