Abstract
To find markers that distinguish the different Cactaceae species, by using
near infrared Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we studied the
occurrence, in the stem, of solid deposits in five Cactaceae species (Coryphantha
clavata, Ferocactus latispinus, Opuntia ficus-indica, O.
robusta, and O. strepthacantha) collected from their natural habitats
from a region of México. The deposits in the tissues usually occurred as spheroidal
aggregates, druses, or prismatic crystals. From the Raman spectra, the crystals were
identified either as calcium oxalate monohydrate
(CaC2O4·H2O) or calcium oxalate dihydrate
(CaC2O4·2H2O).Opuntia species (subfamily Opuntioideae) showed the presence of
CaC2O4·H2O, and the deposition of
CaC2O4·2H2O was present in C. clavata
and F. latispinus (subfamily Cactoideae, Cacteae tribe). As a punctual
technique, Raman spectroscopy seems to be a useful tool to identify crystal
composition. In addition to allowing the analysis of crystal morphology, this
spectroscopic technique can be used to identify Cactaceae species and their
chemotaxonomy.
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