Light and SEM observation of opal phytoliths in the mulberry leaf

摘要

Biogenic mineral deposits 25-100 mu m in diameter were observed by microscopic examination of the leaf of mulberry (Morus alba) 'Ichinose'. Using chemical mapping with scanning electron microscope, the deposits were determined to be opal phytoliths, composed largely of biogenic silica. Phytoliths varied in diameter and were distributed heterogeneously within a leaf. Many phytoliths were observed in close proximity to small veins. Phytolith growth in the mulberry leaf proceeds by deposition of silicon compounds transferred via the network of cell walls. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.