Ephedra monosperma (Ephedraceae), Another Gymnosperm of Noteworthy Size

Although gymnosperms are well known for their large size, being the largest, tallest and most massive living organisms on earth, an exceptionally diminutive gymnosperm, Ephedra monosperma Gmelin ex C. A. Meyer (Ephedraceae), from southwestern China is compared with the much more massive gymnosperms that tend to receive far greater attention and publicity. Photographs of E. monosperma and its natural habitat are provided and voucher specimens are cited.