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Sonoran Desert Ephedra

Also known as Joint-Fir because the green stems appear segmented and these plants are indeed conifers. Yet another name is Mormon Tea because fresh growth can be brewed to make a mildly stimulating tea. Leaves, when present, are scale like. Bears separate male and female cones. A common component of the Sonoran Desert with several species.

Long-leaf Joint-fir

Ephedra trifurca

Woody shrub with green stems. Shreds of leaves usu. present at stem nodes. Distinct cones in spring time. Detailed Description

Sonoran Desert Places