Joint pine
Egon Krogsgaard
Joint pine (Ephedra fragilis) belongs to an ancient plant group that existed on earth at the same time as the dinosaurs. Its closest living relatives are the conifers.
Medical uses
The branches of joint pine contain the alkaloid ephedrine, which is used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems. Ephedrine expands the bronchi, the small air ducts in the lungs, thereby facilitating breathing.
Ephedrine, however, also has a number of side effects, among others it raises blood pressure, so it must be used with care.
Ephedrine is on the list of banned drugs because it can be used to increase endurance in long-term sports performance.
Pollination
Ephedra fragilis is primarily wind‑pollinated, but it is also pollinated by insects. The female cone produces sweet, liquid ‘pollination drops’ that capture pollen and attract insects.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
- Danish name: Ledris
- Latin name: Ephedra fragilis
- Family: Ephedra family / Ephedraceae
- Natural habitat: The Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands