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| 804_0536 [Ephedra foemina] |
Ephedra foemina is a perennial climbing shrub
native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
It is found at heights of up to 1000 meters
and can get up to 5 meters tall.
Its characteristic numerous green (or reddish) twigs are flexible
and seem to be hanging from the top of a plant towards the ground.
In this picture Ephedra seems to be hanging from the top of a tree!
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| 804_2335 [Ephedra foemina] |
This is a vertical panorama that shows Ephedra
to have covered a whole tree from top to bottom!
Its distinctive red fruits appear in Autumn and Winter
and seen from a little distance all together
they provide an impressive sight.
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| 804_0527 [Ephedra foemina] |
A closeup photo of Ephedra’s fruit. It’s 6-8 mm wide.
May I provide two points of interest
in case you are ready for some personal research?
1) The plant is being tested for its potential uses in traditional medicine, and
2) It is an insect-pollinated plant that attracts pollinators
by secreting sticky drops on cones that reflect moonlight,
a strategy that helps pollinators navigate during the full moon.
