Polygonum equisetiforme

Πολύγωνο το αλογοουρόμορφο

Etymology of Polygonum equisetiforme: The name of the genus, "Polygonum" derives from the Ancient Greek compound word "πολύγονο" [polygono] meaning "polygonal", from "πολύ" [poly], meaning "many" and "γόνυ" [gony], meaning "knee" (forming an angle), because of the jointed stems forming many "knees". The epithet derives from Latin "equisetum", which is a genus of plants, and "form", meaning "shape", hence "Equisetum shaped", referring to the species' relevance in appearance with Equisetum. The compound word "equisetum" derives from "equus", meaning "horse" and "seta'' meaning "bristle", which actually means "horse-tail", hence the Equisetum is the "horse-tail plant".

There are at least 4 Polygonum species in the wild Cypriot habitat.

Polygonum equisetiforme is a plant that can pass unnoticed. It is neither common nor rare in the Cypriot habitat. The specific species is encountered all-around Cyprus up to an altitude of 925 metres. It primarily grows on stony hills, roadsides, stream banks and sandy ground, and it usually blooms between April and October.

Polygonum equisetiforme's stems can be up to 300 cm long and 100 cm tall.

How to identify Polygonum equisetiforme:

Only Polygonum equisetiforme and Polygonum maritimum (grows at 0 metres altitude) are perennial plants with a woody rootstock, and they sometimes even appear like a subshrub.

Equisetiforme's inflorescences are spiciform, terminal, slender, and not leafy. Its leaves are not coriaceous.