Rothmaler's horsetail

The main distribution area covers humid and marshy areas, primarily in the western regions of Europe, including Scotland and Ireland. In the wild, the plant prefers waterlogged soils and is often found along stream banks and in damp meadows.

Botanically, the species is characterized by stiff, upright stems with pronounced ridges containing high levels of silica. Reproduction occurs vegetatively through the rhizome system, as the hybrid nature of the plant often results in the formation of non-viable spores.

Rothmaler's horsetail has high requirements for atmospheric and soil humidity. The plant is extremely sensitive to sharp temperature fluctuations and direct exposure to dry winds, which limits its distribution to specific ecological niches.

In agriculture and horticulture, this species is not a target crop for industrial cultivation due to its low competitive ability and specific environmental requirements. It is more often considered as an indicator of moist soils and an object for botanical monitoring.

The main threats to the Rothmaler's horsetail population are anthropogenic land drainage and land reclamation works. Disruption of the hydrological regime leads to the rapid disappearance of the plant from established territories.

Among the biological threat factors, competition from more aggressive herbaceous plant species should be highlighted. Due to the slow rate of vegetative growth, the horsetail is unable to effectively resist the overgrowth of its range by more robust perennials.

Specific diseases include fungal infections of the stems that develop during periods of abnormal waterlogging and stagnant water. Excessive moisture creates a favorable environment for pathogens that attack the vulnerable parts of the rhizome.

Pests specializing in this specific hybrid have not been sufficiently studied; however, insects-phytophages common to the Equisetaceae family can damage the assimilation shoots. Damage to the stems reduces the plant's ability to store nutrients in the rhizome.

Climate change and the general increase in habitat temperatures also pose a hidden threat. Since the species is adapted to cool and humid conditions, any deviation from this norm leads to the weakening of the plant and its displacement from its natural habitats.