Raphide

is similar in some taxa but different in others leaving possible opportunities for plant key characteristics and systematic identification; mucilage in raphide containing cells makes light microscopy difficult, though.

Raphides typically occur in parenchyma cells in aerial organs, especially the leaves, and are generally confined to the mesophyll.

Plants like Tradescantia pallida also accumulate calcium oxalate crystals in response to heavy metals stress.

Typically ingestion of plants containing raphides, like those common in certain houseplants, can cause immediate numbing followed shortly by painful foot swelling, vesicle formation and swelling throat, accompanied by painful stinging and burning to the mouth and throat with symptoms occurring for up to two weeks.

[10] Airway assessment and management are of the highest priority, as are extensive irrigation and analgesics in eye exposure.

Actinidiaceae: Amaranthaceae: Araceae: Araliaceae: Arecaceae: Asparagaceae: Bromeliaceae: Commelinaceae: Onagraceae: Poaceae: Polygonaceae: Rubiaceae: Vitaceae:

Raphides in Epipremnum Devil's ivy (600× magnification)
Raphides in Hypoestes phyllostachya , the polka dot plant