Equise: What are, characteristics and examples

Equisletos belong to the Equisetaceae family, which is within one of the large groups of primitive plantslike the ferns, which appeared in the Paleozoic. In fact, the gender equisetum It is the only one within this family. These are distributed throughout the planet, mainly in the temperate zones of the tropics and in the northern hemisphere. Especially in Europe, Asia and North America.

They also belong to the group of Pterodifitaswhich are perennial vascular plants that are reproduced by spores. Here you can learn more about pteridophyte plants: what are, types and examples.

These perennial and lively plants are usually found both in the land and aquatic environment. Although they prefer wet soils, near the channels of the I YO rivers in flooded land, they are capable of colonizing deforesting areas, old cultivation areas and even meadows.

Equislets have an articulated rhizome from which aerial and articulated holes sprout with very different knots and falls. They even present verticilated branches arranged laterally. Around the knots of the stems appear the microphiles or reduced leaves. Due to these long forms, to Equiseto plants They are commonly known as horsetail.

These plants have been used throughout history for various purposes. One of them is due to its high silica content, perfect to help polish wood and other metals. It also has medicinal properties thanks to various active ingredients and, in recent years, such as ornamental plants for its curious primitive form and appearance.

Apart from what has already been commented, these are the Main characteristics of equisets or horse tails:

• They are plants without flowers that have a hollow and articulated stem.
• Equislets have two types of stems, one simple and one fertile. The fertile is that he reminds the shape of a long asparagus, hence it is commonly known as a horse tail. The infertile stem is the one that has ramifications.
• Equislets are reproduced by spores, as with other primitive plants, such as ferns. However, they can also spread by rhizomatic division.
• Its maturation time is in summer, specifically between the months of June and July.
• Equislets have a large root system that extends easily under the ground and offers support and a continuous source of food.

The shales are reproduced both through spores and by division of rhizomas. Therefore, they are plants with a very simple spread. This happens with plants classified as cryptogamssuch as ferns, lycopodes or anticetes.

The spores of the equishets They are located inside small bags at the apex of fertile stems. Here are both female and male greenish spores only visible with the use of a microscope. After the union of both, the one known as Protalo female is created, which once fertilized will give rise to a new adult equiseto.

For cultivation, it is used The Rizomatic Division of Equisetos to increase the possibilities of propagation and optimal growth of the plant. These do not require many care, only a wet place and rich and clay soils.

There are currently on our planet a total of some 20 species of equipment. These are divided by their height. Since among species we can find them no more than 20 cm high to others that reach 5 meters. Here you can find some of the most representative:

EQUISETUM ARVENSE

Of shrub and perennial type, the Arvense Equisetum has both sterile or fertile rhizomatous stems. The most succulent fertile, although shorter than the sterile. They are typical of northern Europe and are usually near sources or water currents. It is also used for its medicinal properties to relieve renal conditions or as natural treatment against hemorrhoids.

Bogotense Equisetum

This species of perennial type equiseto has articulated stems that easily reach up to 60 cm high. He prefers very humid land and is typical of countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela or Argentina. These are used as diuretic.

Hyemale Equisetum

This species of shrub -type equiseto is one of the richest in silicon, hence used to polish metals. It is typical of America, Europe and Asia. It has a great resemblance to the reeds, since its stem is hollow and articulated, reaching almost the meter high.

Palustre Equisetum

Also known colloquially as short beards, it is a natural species of the eurosiberian region. It manages to reach up to 60 cm high and is easy to recognize since it has numerous ramiquications. In fact, it is common to find it associated with other species of equipment or tree species such as Populus alba.

Equisetum giantum

Also known as silversmiths, this kind of equiseto is typical of Central America and South America and Central America. It can reach up to 5 m high and have 2 cm in diameter. In addition, they have elongated rhizomes and modified leaves. It was used, mainly as an ornamental plant.

Other examples of equishets

• Equisetum telmateia
• EQUISETUM RAMOSISIMUM
• Equisetum xmoorei
• Equisetum sylvaticum
• Equisetum fluviatile

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