The three dimensional shape, frequency and phytolith size of truncated cone phytoliths were studied for 13 species, 3 genera of Arundinoideae that grew naturally in New Zealand. A usefull classification of truncated cone phytoliths was established and tested in these grasses. The results are summarized as follows. 1) Careful identification and description of three-dimensional characteristics of truncated cone phytoliths seem the most useful approach for distinguishing closely related genera and species. 2) The truncated cone phytoliths could be distinguished from each other according to the mean and95%con- fidence interval of these size parameters (Width A, height C, height C/width A etc.). Especially, a height C/width A ratio is a useful indicator that characterizes truncated cone phytoliths nad the height C/width A ratio of more than 1.0 corresponds to the spooi shaped ones reported by Pearsall. and Trimble (1983). 3) Based on three-dimensional morphology and size of truncated cone phytoliths, they were divided into two broad groups whether their altitude (height C) was longer or shorter than the length of base in side view: the former were classified as long truncated cone phytoliths, while the latter short truncated cone ones, respectively. In addition, these types were subdivided by forms of their outline in planar view. 4) The truncated cone phytoliths comprised from 2 to 100% in total short cell ones. Especially, the high frequencies (>60%) of these phytoliths were found in Cortaderia and Chionochloa (C. rubra; C. rigida, C. fravescens, C. S. I. flav). Long truncated cone phytoliths orginated from Cortaderia toetoe, Chionochloa flavescens, and C. defracta comprised from 56 to 84% of total short cell phytoliths. On the other hand, short truncated cone phytoliths from Cortaderia, Chionochloa rubra and C. rigida contained from 30 to 37%. 5) The major classes from short cell phytoliths were found in the most species of Chionochloa, but panicoid and festucoid were found in minor amounts. Exceptionally, high frequencies (about 86%) of panicoid were detected in Chionochloa cheesemanii and C. conspicua.
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