CALCIUM OXALATE (WEDDELLITE) CRYSTALS IN FOREST LITTER.

Forest litter samples from the Wasatch National Forest of Utah were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray powder diffraction. Gymnosperm and aspen leaves in the litter have numerous hyphae growing on their surfaces. These white hyphae are covered with a plethora of needle-shaped crystals. By x-ray diffraction the crystals were identified as weddellite (calcium oxalate dihydrate). It was possible to find what appear to be stages in crystal development. The crystals develop inside the hyphae; they grow to an intermediate stage in which the ends cause the extension of the hyphal wall. Following this, the crystals become more and more external. Mature crystals become disassociated from the hyphae and sometimes collect in groups.