Equisetum
Equisetum
Equisetum (/ˌɛkwɪˈsiːtəm/), also known as horsetail, is a genus of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds. The name Equisetum is derived from the Latin words 'equus' meaning 'horse' and 'seta' meaning 'bristle'.
Etymology
The term Equisetum is derived from the Latin words 'equus' meaning 'horse' and 'seta' meaning 'bristle'. This is in reference to the rough, brush-like appearance of the plant's stems.
Description
Equisetum plants are characterized by their long, thin, jointed stems which are typically green and photosynthetic. They also have a unique system of vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant. The plants produce spores in cone-like structures at the tips of some stems.
Species
There are approximately 15 species of Equisetum, including Equisetum arvense (common horsetail), Equisetum hyemale (rough horsetail), and Equisetum fluviatile (water horsetail).
Uses
Equisetum has been used in traditional medicine for its diuretic properties. It is also used in landscaping for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in wet conditions.
Related Terms
- Vascular tissue: The system of tubes and transport cells that circulate water and nutrients in plants.
- Spore: A reproductive cell or group of cells, produced by some plants, that can develop into a new individual without fusing with another reproductive cell.
- Equisetum arvense: A species of Equisetum known as common horsetail.
- Equisetum hyemale: A species of Equisetum known as rough horsetail.
- Equisetum fluviatile: A species of Equisetum known as water horsetail.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Equisetum
- Wikipedia's article - Equisetum
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski