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Spore of field horsetail
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Spore of field horsetail
False colour scanning electron micrograph of spores of the field horsetail, Equisetum arvense. The horsetail is the only living type of a primitive family of plants, the Sphenopsids, that were predominant at the formation of the coal measures. The vegetative stems are produced from underground rhizomes & the leaves are reduced to toothed sheaths at the leaf joints. Fertile shoots bear conelike sporangia, carrying the spores, which in this species appear in Spring. The picture shows a moist spore bound tightly by their elators, or bands of thickened cells. As the spores dry out, the elators unfurl, tossing the spores out of the sporangium. Mag: X 320 at 35mm. Original is BW print b450/029
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Media ID 6292085
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCEPHOTO LIBRARY
Bound Equisetum Arvense Horsetail Pteridophyte Pteridophytes Spore
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of a spore from the field horsetail, Equisetum arvense. The field horsetail belongs to a primitive family of plants known as Sphenopsids, which flourished during the formation of coal measures. In this image, we can observe false colors that enhance the details captured by scanning electron microscopy. The vegetative stems emerge from underground rhizomes while their leaves are reduced to toothed sheaths at each leaf joint. However, it is the fertile shoots that truly captivate our attention as they bear conelike sporangia carrying these remarkable spores. Typically appearing in Spring, these moist spores are tightly bound together by elators - bands of thickened cells. As fascinating as it sounds, there's more to discover about these spores' behavior. As they dry out over time, the elators unfurl and release their hold on the spores within the sporangium. This process allows for dispersal as these tiny wonders are tossed into their surroundings. At a magnification of X 320 with a 35mm lens, this print beautifully captures nature's intricacy and reminds us of its awe-inspiring diversity. Science Photo Library has once again provided us with an extraordinary glimpse into botany and pteridophytes – ancient plant species that continue to fascinate scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
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