Equisetophyta (Horsetails)

Damnjanović Ivana

Characteristics

Xylem and phloem present • internal conducting tissues for water

and food Spores, but no seeds

Structure and Form

Branched and unbranched forms, usually less than 1.3 meters tall Stems jointed and ribbed.Scalelike leaves in whorls at nodes.

ReproductionAsexual by fragmentation of rhizomesSexual reproduction:Strobili at tips of stems with sporangia Spores green with 4 ribbon-like elaters attached.

Equisetum arvense 

Ancient relatives of horsetails:Flourished in Carboniferous, 300 million years ago.

Human and ecological relevance:

Many giant horsetails used for food by humans and other animals.Scouring rush stems used for scouring and sharpening.

Reconstruction of fossil giant horsetail, Calamites