Ephedra fragilis Desf.
An erect or spreading, much branched shrub to 2 m tall. Branches green, but the older ones grey-brown, easily breaking at the nodes. Leaves are tiny, opposite, at first green then brown. Flowers yellow, sessile, in the axil of branches. The male flowers in clusters of up to 16 and the female flowers usually in pairs. Seeds are 7 to 9 mm long, globular, almost enclosed by bright red fleshy bracts.
Local: Common and widespread throughout Gibraltar, excluding urban areas, but mainly in southern parts, especially the Windmill Hill area.
Global: Found in the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands.
Flowers between April and May (June).
Grows in clearings in maquis but best in garigue; also on cliffs.
Contains the alkaloid drug ephedrine used for the relief of asthma and allergies.