Quillwort

Example:The quillwort can be found in the underwater parts of ponds and slow-moving rivers.

Definition:A plant that grows in water or is adapted to life in water for at least part of its life cycle.

Example:Quillwrights are a type of Equisetum genus within the Equisetaceae family.

Definition:A genus of plants in the Equisetaceae family, marked by jointed, sparsely branched, and hollow stems, and by whorled leaves that are generally simple and needle-like.

Example:Quillworts are vascular plants with specialized tissues, including xylem and phloem.

Definition:A plant that includes a system of tissues that transports water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant.

Example:The leaves of quillworts are spine-like and help to anchor the plant firmly in the substrate.

Definition:Having the appearance and characteristics of a spine, typically sharp and rigid.

Example:Quillworts have jointed stems that allow them to grow out of water in a robust manner.

Definition:A stem that is segmented into sections by interruptions or joints.

Example:The unbranched stems of quillworts make them distinct among other aquatic plants.

Definition:A stem that does not branch; it grows in a straight or partially curved manner without splitting into smaller branches.

Example:Quillworts have whorled leaves that are needle-like and closely packed around the stem.

Definition:Leaves that are arranged in a ring or circle around the stem at the same height.

Example:Quillworts belong to the Equisetaceae family, which also includes other rush-like plants.

Definition:A family of monilophytes (ferns and fern allies) including quillworts, scurrs, and horsetails.

Example:Some biologists place the quillworts and their relatives in the Equisetales order.

Definition:An order of plants that includes the quillworts and their allies, characterized by their unique reproductive structures and morphology.