Common name: joint-fir, joint-pine, Mormon tea, or ephedra. Ephedras are woody shrubs which have been used for medicinal purposes by native peoples all over the world. They contain the alkaloids pseudoephedrine (the same chemical in over-the-counter decongestants) and ephedrine (a performance-enhancing drug prohibited in most professional sports). Ephedra can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and is considered to be especially dangerous for those with pre-existing heart problems and has been banned in the united States of America. Although ephedras grow throughout the U.S. today, they do not grow in the Monument.

Pollen Morphotypes

• Ephedripites claricristatus - Abundant throughout both shale units, E. claricristatus closely resembles pollen of the modern Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada joint-fir).
• Ephedripites exiguus - Slightly smaller and more oval-shaped than E. claricristatus.

References