top of page

Equisetum myriochaetum

Schltdl. & Cham.

Mexican Giant Horsetail

Equisetaceae

Equisetum myriochaetum is a species of horsetail in the family Equisetaceae. It has a wide range, from Mexico to Peru.

Description

Equisetum myriochaetum is a plant that grows up to 5 m tall. Its stems are tall, round, and not grooved. Along the stems are sheaths that hold the leaves in many whorls, and have 6 to 8 whorls. The sheaths that surround the stem are 9 to 20 mm long and 6 to 18 mm wide, with green deciduous teeth. Strobili are obtuse (UNAM 1995).

It is one of two Equisetum species considered "giant", the other being Equisetum giganteum (Carlquist and Schneider 134). It hybridizes with Equisetum hyemale (UNAM 1995).

Uses

​Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.

Equisetum myriochaetum has traditionally been used to treat diabetes. A concoction was made where the dried plant would be steeped in boiling water, and then drunk daily (Pasupuleti 2009). It is also occasionally grown as an ornamental. It grows in USDA zones 8 to 10 (Morse).

Distribution

Equisetum myriochaetum is found in humid, shaded areas near or streams and in swamps. It is widely distributed in Central and South America, from Mexico to Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru (UNAM 1995).

Status

​

References

Carlquist, S., and Schneider, E.L. 2011. Equisetum Xylem: SEM Studies and Their Implications. American Fern Journal, 101(3): 133–141.

Morse, C. Equisetum myriochaetum. EEB Biodiversity Education & Research Greenhouse. florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/199800139.html.

Pasupuleti, Vijai K. 2009. Nutraceuticals, Glycemic Health and Type 2 Diabetes. Wiley.

Description
bottom of page