Diversity of silica bodies in Podostemaceae

Silica bodies are inorganic compounds deposited in the vegetative and/or reproductive tissues of many angiosperm families, including the aquatic plant family Podostemaceae. Costa et al. analyse leaves of neotropical taxa through conventional light and scanning electron microscopy.

Silica bodies were found in epidermis, subepidermis and perivascular sheath, and have considerable morphological diversity. Their presence is an evolutionary novelty for Podostemaceae. The morphological diversity of silica bodies are useful as a taxonomic tool and support the phylogenetic hypothesis presented.