Comparative study of the bio-mineral composition of four species of the genus Gunnera in Argentina

Abstract

Comparative study of the bio-mineral composition of four species of the genus Gunnera in Argentina. This study aimed to characterize and analyze comparatively, the biominerals of species of the genus Gunnera from Argentina (G. apiculata, G. lobata, G. magellanica and G. tinctoria). It is described and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively calcium biominerals as siliceous, located in the leaf tissues. We identified taxonomic validity anatomical elements that distinguish the taxa to species or group of species, such as the shape of the ends axis, the size and number the dominant calcium and silica phytoliths morphotypes. The results obtained in the study of biomineralizations may relate to the characteristics of the habitat where plants grow and may be useful as tools for environmental assessment and/or past vegetation in these regions.