New characteristics of the papillae phytolith morphotype recovered from eleven genera of cyperaceae

Cyperaceae plants are significant indicators for wet environments in paleoenvironmental studies. The characterization of modern phytoliths in Cyperaceae plants is fundamental for the identification and the taxonomic correlation with the morphologies preserved in sediments. This study proposes to expand the characterization and quantification of Cyperaceae phytoliths, including variations in ornamentation (smooth and spiny), base shape (oblong, square, and hexagonal), and apex format (rounded and pointed). For the study, we collected 11 species of 11 genera of Cyperaceae, separated 3 g of leaves, and extracted the phytoliths using acid dissolution. We observed four main morphotypes in the specimens: papillae, elongate psilate, elongate echinate, and cylindric sulcate tracheid. The papillae morphotype was predominant in all species, with an occurrence of >90%. Our study adds new insights towards classifying patterns in the dimensions and forms of Cyperaceae phytoliths.