Raphides with Barbs and Grooves in Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Araceae)

Abstract

Raphides in petioles of Xanthosoma sagittifolium are needlelike crystals about 50 micrometers long. The rectangular cross sections have maximum dimensions of approximately 850 by 250 nanometers. The raphides have two distinct end structures. One end is narrow, acute, and tapered to a point; the other is broad, acute, and abruptly pointed. Barbs, about 750 angstroms long with tips oriented away from the narrow end, occur along the length of the raphide on ridges on either side of two longitudinal grooves. These grooves, located opposite each other, give the raphide cross section an H-shape.