Joint fir is a common term used to describe the Ephedra plant, which is known for its evergreen nature and ability to survive in harsh desert climates. However, there are many synonyms for this plant that vary by region and language. In North America, it is often referred to as Mormon tea or Brigham tea due to its use by early settlers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In China, it is known as Ma-huang and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Other synonyms include desert tea, Indian tea, and squaw tea. Despite the different names, the unique characteristics that make joint fir so resilient and valuable remain the same.