Abstract
The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) forms phytoliths (biogenic opal silica) in all organs as a result of silicon uptake from soil. The phytolith assemblages in the sago palm were extracted using a dry combustion method with a muffle and described based on morphology and ornamentation according to the International Code for Phytolith Nomenclature 1.0 and 2.0. Using an optical microscope, spheroid (globular) echinate phytoliths, of which the morphology is highly diagnostic with minor exceptions, were observed in a leaflet of M. sagu from the Philippines. Studies of the M. sagu phytolith, which showed spheroid, echinate grains from 2.5 to >22.5 μm in diameter, with a peak range of 10 to 12.5 μm, could provide a tool for documenting the biosilicification of phytoliths and archeological evidence of sago cultivation before rice in coastal areas of the Philippines.
https://ror.org/00f2txz25 
