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Ephedra botanically belongs to Chelarn.idosperm class and Ephedraceae family with more than
44 species in the world ,10 species in Iran and three species including Ephedra strobilacea, E. intermedia and E.procera in Biarjomand region.Effective ecological factors on Ephedra were investigated in this study. Three vegetation types namely; Ephedra, Ephedra-Artemisia and Artemisia-Ephedra were shown in vegetation map. In each vegetation type vegetation parameters including density, canopy cover, yield and also stone, bare soil and litter percentage were measured. Effect of rainfall on its production was studied by its production m_asurn)ent using clipping and weighting method during two years. Soil samples were collected from each vegetation type. Chemical composition of Ephedra was determined in different phenological
stages.
According to the results, Ephedra propagates by two ways including rhizome and seed. It has horizental and vertical root systems. Its production is considerable and important for soil conservation. Its production depends on annual rainfall and limits its growth in dry season. Its stems and flowers have no poisonous effect on mature sheep and goats, but its fruit is toxic for sheep, goat, lamb and kids. Its poisonous effect changed during different growth stages. Suitable grazing period of Ephedra in the study area is during autumn and winter.Its
palatability was medium. Fat content of whole plant was 4.45% for Ephedra intermedia and 5.6%
for Ephedra strobilacea. Percentage of crude protein for mentioned species was 5.34 and 3.91 respectively. There was significant relationship (99%level) between height, canopy cover of Ephedra and its production In Biarjomand region.