Kiwifruit

Raphide

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Raphides along with a lot of debris.

Raphides are needle-shaped crystals of calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate found in specialized plant cells called idioblasts. It is believed that the raphides are a defense mechanism against plant predators , as they are likely to tear the soft tissues of the throat or esophagus of a plant predator chewing on the plant's leaves.

References

1. ^ Weber, R.A. (2007). Raphides, the cause of the acridity of certain plants. Scientific American Supplement. Retrieved online on 09 December 2009 from: http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/scientific-american/sup7/Raphides-The-Cause-Of-The-Acridity-Of-Certain-Plants.html
2. ^ Arnott, H.J., M.A, Webb (2000). Twinned Raphides of Calcium Oxalate in Grape (Vitis):Implications for Crystal Stability and Function. International Journal of Plant Sciences 161(1):133-142.
3. ^ ASPCA (2009). Taro. ASPCA official website: Animal Poison Control Center. Retrieved on 07 December 2009 from: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/taro-1.html
4. ^ Wrongdiagnosis.com (2009). Plant poisoning - Calcium oxalate crystals. Wrongdiagnosis.com retrieved on 07 December 2009 from: http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/plant_poisoning_calcium_oxalate_crystals/intro.htm

See also

• Druse
• Plant defense against herbivory

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