Calcium oxalate crystals in Opuntia ficusindica (L.) mill. Development and relation to mucilage cells - A stereological analysis

In the succulent tissue of Opuntia ficusindica development of calcium oxalate crystals was followed from the shoot apex to its base, using stereological analysis. The stereological parameters relating to the crystal cells were compared with those of mucilage cells, of the same tissue. A fairly monotonic relation between the stereological parameters of the two populations was noted. The possible physiological relation between the two cell populations is discussed.