FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Equisetum x mackaii, Mackay's Horsetails, Eskibróðir

Equisetum x mackaii (also known as Equisetum x trachydon); The Mackay's Horsetail is a hybrid of Equisetum hyemale (Rough Horsetail) and Equisetum variegatum (Variegated Horsetail). As such it has intermediate characteristics. I have noticed that the sporangial cone is often very similar to those of the Variegated Horsetail and also the sheaths on top of the stem have rather long teeth. The lower sheaths though, are much more similar to those of the Rough Horsetail with the minute teeth.
It is member of the Equisetaceae, the Horsetail family. The Icelandic name is Eskibróðir.

A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other fern-related species

Other fern-related species

 Press on photo for full size

 

 

 

 

Natural History of Iceland Site  in Dutch

Natural History of Iceland Site  Dutch