Calcium oxalate crystal macropattern and its usefulness in the taxonomy
of Baccharis (Asteraceae)
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of
calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and
assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy
of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence and chemical composition of the
crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species
included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based
sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were
chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of
Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive
coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and
environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were
analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of
crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were
present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were
classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates,
and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates and silica. The crystal macropatterns
observed in this study aid in the species identification and provide
novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis.