1-5 Equisetaceae, horsetail family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Pteridophyte, native ferns, horsetail family, scouring rush, Equisetum, horsetail, fern allies

Abstract

Another ancient family of plants, there is but a single extant genus. Annual or perennial, all have jointed hollow stems, marked by ridges. Coarse texture is further enhanced by the presence of silica crystals in the epidermis. Leaves are reduced to scales forming whorls, which may or may not be photosynthetic. Branches when present are also in whorls. Sporangia are arranged on whorled stalks forming a terminal cone. Plants reproduce by spores and creeping rhizomes. Sterile hybrids produced with some species. Photographs by Roger Lloyd, Jamie Ellison, Ross Hall and Sean Blaney

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor.