Characterization of Biominerals in Species of Canna (Cannaceae)

ENRIQUE JOSE BARAN; GONZALEZ-BARO, AC; M.M. CICIARELLI; C.H. ROLLERI

Revista de Biología Tropical

Univ. de Costa Rica

Lugar: San José de Costa Rica; Año: 2010 vol. 58 p. 1507 - 1515

0034-7744

   Fresh plant material of seven wild neotropical species of genus Canna, taken from different habitats, were studied to characterize the biominerals in their internal tissues. For the first time, samples of primary and secondary veins of leaves were investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy, complemented with X-ray powder diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The spectroscopic results, supported by X-ray powder diffractometry, show the presence of opal (biogenic silica) and that the calcium oxalate is present in the form of whewellite (CaC2O4.H2O) in all the investigated samples. The results suggest that the species of Canna show similar ability to produce biogenic silica and produce an identical type of calcium oxalate within their tissues.