This document summarizes the systematic position, distribution, morphology, anatomy, and economic importance of the Ephedra plant. It belongs to the Gnetum family and is an evergreen shrub native to central Asia and the southwestern United States. It has woody stems and very small scaly leaves. Internally, it has a taproot system and vascular bundles arranged in a siphonostele pattern. Several Ephedra species provide medicinal alkaloids and other economic uses.