How Are Systematics and Biological and Ecological Features Related to Silica Content in Plants? A Study of Species from Southern South America

Premise of research. Plant silica content depends on the phylogenetic position a taxon; however, biological or ecological factors may also affect it. In this work, we analyzed data silicophytolith from 105 species South America, examining, in context, its relationship with anatomy and features such as life cycle, growth form, plant origin, environmental preferences.Methodology. Data bioecological were obtained published unpublished sources. The relations between systematics, content, variables through measurements signal generalized least squares regressions.Pivotal results. Eighty-six percent produced 0.38% 19% dry weight leaves. Silica was variable within clades. Values λ K indicate low for content. Dicotyledons accumulated typical epidermal cells, few families stored it cystoliths. Most monocot showed high contents diversity silicified cells. origin affected contents: exotic more than native ones. On other hand, no statistical found variables.Conclusions. Silicophytolith accumulation is common feature most studied. explained by inter- intraclade variability, which turn supports hypothesis that homoplasic character among plants. basis overall analysis tissue distribution, could be related to specific mechanisms roles silica. only influenced This finding some role plants involving their success novel environments.