Question

Explain the anatomy and morphology of Ephedra sinica. What are its closest relatives (genetics, phylogenetics, lineages) and what are its significant adaptations (values and functions)?

Answer 1

Systematic position:

Kingdom Plantae

Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)

Superdivision      Spermatophyta (Seed plants)

Division Gnetophyta (Mormon tea and other gnetophytes)

Class Gnetopsida

Order Ephedrales

Family Ephedraceae (tea family)

Genus Ephedra L.

Common name   Jointfir

There are 35 to 40 species in the world. These are wide spread in both in eastern and western hemispheres

Morphology:

A. Root : Branched root, tap root are present these are characteristic xerophytes, no report of mycorrhize.

B. Stem: Woody green branched distinctly joined apparently nodes and inter nodes, branches are photosynthetic. Inter nodes are elongated by the activity of basal meristem.

C. Leaves: Small scaly leaves are present, scale leaves are joined to form sheath, Brown leaves are non photosynthetic leaves.

Anatomy:

A. Root : It shows usually Gymnosperm structure. Cortex, endoderm, inner periderm, vascular camblum, primary and secondary xylem was present.

B. Stem:

1. Primary structure: Transverse structure shows ridges and grooves. cortex clorenchyma elongated, endoderm is present in single layer.

2. Secondary structure: Parenchymalous cells present between the vascular bundles to form a ring of cambium, ray initials and fusiform initial are present.

C. Leaves: Transverse structure of leaves shows epidermis, cuticle, xylem, phloem, air space, spongy parenchyma tissues. The vascular bundles are collateral closed and primary phloem and primary xylem are also present.

Adaptations:

Mostly xerophytes scrubs or woody climbers Ephedra Pedunculata. Most species of ephedra are branched scrubs, commonly climbing over vegetation many species spread by rhizomes Ephedra Trifura. Under favorable condition it grows tree like habitat.

Ephedra Foliata - scrambling scrub, Ephedra Compacta - Branching type, Ephedra Camphylophoda - Spendulus branches, Ephedra Intermedia - Shoot, Ephedra Saxatilis - scrub.

Values and functions:

In pharmaceutical industries it works as to access Ephedra drug materials.

Traditionally it is used by indigenous people for medicinal treatments of asthma, hay fever and cold.

Alkaloids obtained from the species of Ephedra is used in herbal medicine.