Distribution of silicified cells in the leaf blades of Pleioblastus chino (Franchet et Savatier) Makino (Bambusoideae)

Distribution of silicified cells in the leaf blades of Pleioblastus chino w as investigated using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser. The most dense acc umulation of silica was found in epidermal tissues. Little silica was depos ited in vascular bundles and chlorenchyma, while more was deposited in bund le sheath and fusoid cells. In the epidermis, silica density and Frequency of silicified cells differed depending on cell type, although silica deposi tion was observed in most cell types. Heavy deposition was found in silica cells, bulliform cells, micro hairs and prickle hairs. Silica cells were th e cell type most frequently silicified (96.9-99.7%) in the adaxial and abax ial epidermis. Silica may be deposited as leaf tissues age. (C) 2000 Annals of Botany Company.