Equisetum. | EQUISETACEA. 1267 
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IX.—EQUISETINEA. 
erbs; leaves small in proportion to the stems, erg not 
circinate, the fertile peltate forming a spike at the apex of the 
Stem. Sporangia all similar on the inner face of the peltate 
leaves. Spores many, free, each with 4 hygroscopic filaments, 
clubbed at the end, developing as a rule dicecious lobed prothalli. 
Antheridia at apex of lobes; archegonia on fleshy upper surface 
near base of prothallus. 
Order CLIX. EQUISETACEZ. 
Herbs; rootstock widely creeping, hypogeal, jointed and 
sheathed at the nodes, often branched and bearing tubercles; 
Stem erect, cylindric, with a distinct central hollow, occluded at 
the nodes, strongly ribbed, with air-spaces in the walls under the 
ribs ; cuticle loaded with silica ; the nodes articulate and sheathed, 
Sheath toothed, the teeth as many as the stem-ribs ; stems usually 
all similar, sometimes. dimorphic ary and fertile) often with 
regularly whorled branches. Leave pikes shee or dey is 
late. Sporangia all similar, sia hope down r face 
6-9 uniseriately disposed round the under side of ee oe of 
Stalked, peltate receptacles, conically arranged at apex of stem. 
Spores very many, free, smooth, globose, each with 4 clubbed, 
Spirally curled, hygroscopic filaments; germinating on the ground 
as lobed, usually diccious, prothallia. 
1156. Equisetum Linn. 
The only genus; characters those of the order. 
Spikes obtuse, shortly stalked; stomata with a on level of epi- 
dermis ; branches copious, densely whorled ; stems erect ......... diffusum. 
Spikes apiculate, subsessile; stomata with openings pore in ny 
epidermis ; branches sparse; stems semi-scandent del 
2856. EquiseTum piFFUsuM Don. 
. Bengal, 
A herb, 1-2 foc high. 
2857. naires DEBILE Roxb.; F. 1. 745 (Ed. C. B. C.); E. D. 
BE. 241. 
Chota Nagpur. 
