Family:  Joint Fir (Ephedraceae)

Hardy to Zones 7 to 11, sometimes colder.

(Pingo-Pingo, Transmontana, Solupe, Sea Grape) Evergreen perennial, dioecious, rhizomatous, primitive subshrub native to South America, from Chile to Argentina. Often ground-hugging, may grow to 4 feet tall in habitat.  Pollen cones of male plants fleshy and yellow.  Fruits of female plants white to light yellow.    Traditional usage (South American): Upper respiratory ailments (a bronchodilator), kidney and venereal disease (a cleansing diuretic), topical use of tea or decoction to treat wounds and sores.  Purification.  Source of anthocyanidins, tannins, volatile oils and diverse Ephedra alkaloids including ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Plant prefers sun and very fast draining soils. We have found these to be extremely robust on the landscape, surviving snow in winter and summer drought. Mulch with sand or volcanic rock.  Space plants 2 feet apart.

Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown