Horsetails

Definition

Horsetails are a group of seedless vascular plants belonging to the genus Equisetum. They are characterized by jointed stems and a brush-like appearance, often found in moist environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horsetails reproduce via spores rather than seeds.
2. They have silica deposits in their cell walls, giving them a rough texture.
3. Their life cycle includes both a dominant sporophyte and a reduced gametophyte stage.
4. Horsetails were much more diverse and abundant during the Paleozoic era.
5. They possess rhizomes, underground stems that help them spread and survive in various conditions.

Review Questions

• What is the main method of reproduction for horsetails?
• Why do horsetails have a rough texture?
• During which geological era were horsetails more diverse and abundant?

Related terms

Sporophyte: The diploid, spore-producing phase in the life cycle of plants including horsetails.

Gametophyte: The haploid, gamete-producing phase in the life cycle of plants including horsetails.

Rhizome: An underground stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes, aiding in vegetative reproduction for plants like horsetails.