Family: Polygonaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: J.Sibthorp & J.E.Smith, Fl. Graec. Prodr. 1: 266 (1809)
Year: 1809
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polygonum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to C. Asia
Description
Horsetail Knotweed, known scientifically as Polygonum equisetiforme, is a notable member of the Polygonaceae family. Described by the eminent botanists J. Sibthorp and J. E. Smith in their 1809 work “Flora Graeca Prodromus,” this perennial plant draws interest for its unique morphology and wide geographical distribution.
This hardy plant thrives in diverse ecosystems, including the regions of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean, stretching as far east as Central Asia. Its adaptability to various climates and environments underscores the resilience and versatility characteristic of the Polygonaceae family.
Horsetail Knotweed’s appearance is reminiscent of both horsetail and knotweed species, boasting slender, reed-like stems that contribute to its common name. The foliage is typically narrow and elongated, giving the plant a graceful, airy aesthetic often appreciated in naturalistic garden settings and wild landscapes.
Despite its widespread presence, Polygonum equisetiforme is not only admired for its beauty but also for its role in the local ecology. It serves as ground cover in many regions, helping to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. The plant’s interconnected root system is efficient in maintaining soil health and supporting the growth of surrounding flora.
Botanists and horticulturists often study Horsetail Knotweed for its ecological benefits and its potential uses in sustainable landscaping and conservation projects. Its resilience to varying conditions makes it a subject of interest in efforts to preserve native plant species and maintain biodiversity.
Overall, Polygonum equisetiforme stands out as a robust and adaptable plant, contributing to both the aesthetic and ecological fabric of the regions it inhabits. Whether flourishing in the wild or being cultivated for its beneficial properties, Horsetail Knotweed remains an intriguing and valued member of the plant kingdom.
Common Names
Eng: horsetail knotweed
Deu: schachtelhalm-knöterich
Spa: treintanudos fino
En: Horsetail Knotweed
Fi: Kortetatar
De: Schachtelhalm-Knöterich
He: ארכובית שבטבטית
It: Poligono equisetiforme
Pt: Erva-do-sangue
Es: Treintanudos fino
Synonyms
- Polygonum ehrenbergii (Meisn.)
- Polygonum marioticum (Ehrenb. ex Meisn.)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. controversum ((Guss.) Ces., Pass. & Gibelli)
- Dioctis equisetifolia (Raf.)
- Polygonum urgellense var. rubrum (Sennen)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. foliosum (Sennen)
- Polygonum crenatum (Ehrenb. ex Meisn.)
- Polygonum controversum (Guss.)
- Polygonum todaroi (Lojac.)
- Polygonum arenarium var. caesaraugustanum (Asso ex Amo)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. peyerimoffii (Batt. & Trab.)
- Polygonum aviculare subsp. caesaraugustanum ((Echeandía ex Pau) Font Quer)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. graecum (Meisn.)
- Polygonum urgellense (Sennen)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. trigynum (Boiss.)
- Polygonum equisetiforme var. spicatum (Batt.)
- Polygonum suffruticosum (Salzm. ex Ball)
- Polygonum tumidum (Aucher ex Meisn.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Greece (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Spain (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Turkmenistan (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Great Britain (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Dec 7, 2022 by buran21 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2021 by Crispín Pérez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2013 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Berrin Berrin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Philip Good (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 9, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2022 by אליהו (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2022 by אליהו (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by prasantahembram (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2022 by prasantahembram (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Philip Good (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5652784)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:695700-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygonum equisetiforme Sm.)