PHYTOLITHS OF FERNS III : IN HIMALAYAN HORSETAIL AND SOME FERNS

Phytolith morphology in root, stem, leaf & cone of Equisetum diffusum, leaf & spike of 4 species of eusporangiate ferns and 23 species of leptosporangiate ferns were studied. Commonly found forms were nearly triangular, cylindrical, square or rectangular and amorphous. Plates like phytoliths were found with distinct features in different species. Phytoliths resembling Spicular cells were found in 6 species of Vittaria. SEM studies of silicification patterns in E. diffusumrevealed knob like and ridge like deposition over leaf and stem surfaces.