The distribution of silicon deposits in the rhizomes of two Andropogon species

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Abstract
Two deposition sites for silicon, both perivascular, were detected by electron-probe microassay in rhizomes of field specimens of Andropogon gerardii Vitman and A. scoparius Michx. (i) Si was confined, in both species, to several layers of cells immediately outside the stele, occurring therein as silica aggregates restricted to the inner tangential walls (ITW). These Si-accumulating cells exhibited similarities in position, shape, and wall thickness, as well as silica deposits, to root endodermal cells of the same species. (ii)In A. gerardii only, Si was deposited additionally in the central region of the stele, on the ITW of sheath cells surrounding the larger vascular bundles.A comparison of the silica aggregates of the rhizomes in terms of distribution, morphology, and X-ray intensity is made between the two Andropogon species, as well as of the corresponding root deposits. These aggregates may be of significance in aiding the retention of water and solutes within the rhizome.

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