Gnetophyta  live  in tropical
   and desert environments.
<P>
<BR><LI> Welwitschia  can  absorb  water  through  structures  on its large
leaves.
<BR><LI> Gnetum species are tropical trees or vines.
<BR><LI> Ephedra (Mormon Tea or Ma Huang) is a desert shrub.
Ephedrine  extracts  have  been  used  as a diet pill, but carries
cardiovascular  risks  that  may  have  led  to  deaths  including
Minnesota  Viking  Korey  Stringer  (2001)  and  Baltimore Orioles
pitcher Steve Bechler (2003).