A pharmacognostic approach to identifying Ephedra intermedia Schrenk ex Mey. in burials at the Xiaohe Cemetery, Lop Nor, Xinjiang

Key Points

• Identifying ephedra intermedia sheds light on ancient burial practices and plant use in Xinjiang.
• Key evidence indicates a significant presence of ephedra intermedia at the Xiaohe Cemetery, suggesting its cultural relevance.
• This analysis utilizes pharmacognostic methods to explore buried plant materials in historical contexts.
• Understanding these findings emphasizes the importance of plants in ancient cultures and their potential uses.