Biogenic silica microfossils in sediments of the Permian
Phytoliths literally meaning plant stone are composed of hydrated silica SiO 2 with 5 15% H 2 O and originate from the cells of higher land plants which store phytoliths in their leafs stems or roots Piperno 2022 Their size ranges from 5 to c 250 µm Phytoliths are important for structural shaping nutrition homeostasis and preservation or as mineral barriers for pathogens