PJB-2024-21
PHYTOLITH PROFILE OF SOME SPECIES OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY
ISHFAQ UL REHMAN
Abstract
Phytoliths, silica structures (SiO2) within plants, play crucial roles in mitigating both biotic and abiotic stresses, and hold significance in taxonomic identification within archaeological and paleoecological contexts. Due to their variable shapes and distinct morphotypes, phytoliths contribute to taxonomical studies and help in reconstructing paleoenvironments. This study specifically aimed to develop a phytolith profile for five selected species: Anthemis cotula, Cotula, Bellis perennis, Inula racemosa, Sassurea costus, and Artemisia absinthium. The dry ashing method was employed for phytolith morphotype extraction and silica estimation. The investigation revealed distinct phytolith morphotypes in these species, such as acicular in A. cotula, trapezoid in B. perennis, elongate entire in A. absinthium, simple rondel in I. racemosa, and tabular blocky in S. costus. Notably, A. cotula and s exhibited the highest silica content, followed by I. racemosa, S. costus, and A. absinthium. Present study revealed the presence of distinct phytolith morphotypes in these species that may help the taxonomists and archaeologists to identify these species from archaeological and paleoecological sites.
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