• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.199-215
• /
• 2009

Phytoliths formed on the leaf-blades of the seventeen Oryza species were examined using back-scattered electron imaging. The resulting descriptions of the phytoliths became the basis for a new key to the species of the genus. This key includes features useful for specific identification related to the silica bodies originating from epidermal cells upon both the mid-vein and bulliform cell, as well as of phytoliths originating from papillae, prickle hairs, large and small trichomes, and stomatal apparatus. These detailed phytolith descriptions, back-scattered electron images, and keys to both adaxial and abaxial sides of leaves, can now be used in identifying phytoliths from archaeological samples as well as extant species of Oryza.