Phytolith analysis of Chusquea ramosissima Lindm. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) and associated soils.

MONTTI, LÍA; FERNÁNDEZ HONAINE, MARIANA; OSTERRIETH, MARGARITA; GRACIANO RIBEIRO, DALVA

Barcelona, España

Otro; 6th International Meeting of Phytolith Research; 2006

In the subtropical forests of northeastern Argentina, the woody bamboo Chusquea ramosissima Lindm. constitutes an important component of the forest understory. This species is an aggresive colonizer that can inhibit the natural regeneration especially in open natural areas and gaps created by timber extraction. The area is characterized by deep red soils (Kandiudults). Phytolith study of the area will allow to understand the dynamics of this species within forest for which the study of the phytolith production – deposition processes is necessary. The aim of this work is to analyze the phytolith assemblage produced by Ch. ramosissima and deposited on superficial soil horizons. Phytoliths from leaves, culm and roots of several individuals were extracted following a calcination technique. Cuts and anatomical observations of the organs were made by means of routine techniques. In order to identify the silica deposits stain with aqueous colorant blue of methylene and borax were used. The first five cm of soil were sampled from places with different bamboo abundances. Phytolith assemblage of leaves is characterized by silicification of epidermic cells (bulliforms and long cells) and short shank, concave/rect ends dumbbells. In less proportion we observed stomatal complexes, microhairs bases, subepidermic elements and rectangular crenate phytoliths. In culms, the phytolith assemblage is characterized by rectangular smooth phytoliths, rectangular crenate phytoliths and rectangular phytoliths articulated with short cells. Other morphotypes observed are hooks and roundells. Rectangular phytoliths, possibly xylem elements, are the main morphologies in root. The results will be compared with the phytolith assemblage of the superficial horizons of the dominant soils of the area.