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Calcium oxalate crystal macropattern and its usefulness in the taxonomy of Baccharis (Asteraceae)
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  • Paola Raeski,
  • Gustavo Heiden,
  • Andressa Novatski,
  • Vijayasankar Raman,
  • Ikhlas Ahmed Khan,
  • Jane Manfron
Paola Raeski
Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa

Corresponding Author:paola.ap.raeski@gmail.com

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Gustavo Heiden
EMBRAPA Centro de Pesquisas Agropecuarias do Clima Temperado
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Andressa Novatski
Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa
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Vijayasankar Raman
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
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Ikhlas Ahmed Khan
University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
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Jane Manfron
Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa
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Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence and chemical composition of the crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates, and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates and silica. The crystal macropatterns observed in this study aid in the species identification and provide novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis.
25 Jan 2023Submitted to Microscopy Research and Technique
28 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
28 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
30 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
18 Apr 20231st Revision Received
20 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
20 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
20 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
15 May 2023Editorial Decision: Accept