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 was investigated using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalyser. The most dense accumulation of silica was found in epidermal tissues. Little silica was deposited in vascular bundles and chlorenchyma, while more was deposited in bundle sheath and fusoid cells. In the epidermis, silica density and Frequency of silicified cells differed depending on cell type, although silica deposition was observed in most cell types. Heavy deposition was found in silica cells, bulliform cells, micro hairs and prickle hairs. Silica cells were the cell type most frequently silicified (96.9-99.7%) in the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. Silica may be deposited as leaf tissues age. (C) 2000 Annals of Botany Company.