Equisetum bogotense, the Andean horsetail, is a herbaceous perennial that reproduces through spores. It has thicker, less bushy whorled branches, and a silica rich rhizomatous stem, which roots grow out of, under ground. This stem is a dull dark brown color with glabrous growth aside from the sheathed segments. The plant has a history as a traditional herbal remedy, and a study of its diuretic effects on humans showed significant increases in urinary sodium, potassium, and chloride. Human and animal trials of indicate that E. bogotense has "high" efficacy as a diuretic. It is used in several modern herbal supplements. The species epithet refers to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Andean Horsetail being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Polypodiopsida
- Order
- Equisetales
- Family
- Equisetaceae
- Genus
- Equisetum
- Species
- Equisetum bogotense
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