Re: Non-aroid query: Ruellia amoena

Hi Steve,

What you are observing may be cystoliths, which occur in many members of the
Acanthaceae and other plant families as well.  They appear as pickle-shaped
crystals made up of calcium carbonate and are soluble in weak acid solution.
They are formed around a short peg of cell wall material in large parenchyma
cells called lithocysts.  They are easier to observe if you close down the
microscope substage diaphragm.  As to, what is going on there... will have
to dig into some books on that.

Best regards,

Scott A. Lucas
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