Calcium Oxalate Raphide Crystals and Crystalliferous Idioblasts in the Carpels of Ornithogalum caudatum

Crystalliferous idioblasts commonly are found in groups of twoor three cells in the peripheral region of the carpels Crystals,composed of calcium oxalate, usually are m well-organized bundleswhich develop within a matrix of protein and carbohydrate inthe vacuole of each idioblast The matrix occurs around and betweenindividual crystal chambers and contains spheres and tubules5.4 nm in diameter The matrix changes in character and locationwith age Crystals form within their own individual chambers,each comprised of a series of lamellae The number of lamellaeis variable The innermost lamella is different from the othersin that it is apparently continuous The other lamellae are platelikeand superficially resemble successive periderms. The lamellaemay begin and/or terminate abruptly or they may anastamose Eachlamella is composed of chains of spheres about 6 1 nm in diameterand is separated from adjacent lamellae by tubules 5.4 nm indiameter Both the crystals and slime body are absorbed duringlater stages of carpel maturation. Ornithogalum caudatum Ait carpel, calcium oxalate, idioblasts, ultrastructure