Abstract
For this study we examined sixteen modern cactus samples. Based on descriptions of phytolith surface features and ratios of size variations, we believe it is possible to separate certain cacti at the level of genus based only on their phytoliths. In addition, we found it possible to identify individual species of cacti in the genus Opuntia based only on the size and morphology of their phytoliths. Another part of our study includes a test of phytolith response to environmental factors and the potential for phytolith variations within individual plants. In order to test for the potential stability of phytolith morphology in cactus fruits, we examined phytoliths from various tissues of cactus fruits and compared those data with phytolith data from the stems of the same cacti as part of our test for similarities and/or differences. Finally, we examined phytoliths from tissues in a prehistoric cactus pad 6,000 years old that was recovered from a dry rockshelter in southwest Texas.
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Jones, J.G., Bryant, V.M. (1992). Phytolith Taxonomy in Selected Species of Texas Cacti. In: Rapp, G., Mulholland, S.C. (eds) Phytolith Systematics. Advances in Archaeological and Museum Science, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1155-1_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1155-1_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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