Silicon occurs naturally in plants in the form of its hydrated oxide (SiO2.nH2O) commonly called silica. Silica has been shown to be a necessary element in the normal development of many plants, playing an array of roles including strengthening, protection, and reduction of water loss. Deposition of silica in various portions of the plant body, especially the leaves, may also be viewed as a way for the plant to dispose of any excess silica taken up beyond that necessary for normal metabolism.Studies of this “opaline” silica have thus far been limited to species of the Cyperaceae and Gramineae known to possess significant quantities of silica. Within the Magnoliaceae, certain “glistening” idioblast cells at the foliar veinlet termini and vein sheaths of Magnolia grandiflora (1) have been suspected to be siliceous in nature.
Phytochemical investigation of
Magnolia grandiflora
green seed cones: Analytical and phytoceutical studies
