Muzei Ma Huang (Ephedra equisetina)

Family: Ephedraceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ephedra equisetina is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Mountains in central and middle Asia. Dry and rocky places, 800 - 3000 metres in China. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)