Charred Redshanks (Adenostoma sparsiflolium) Bark

This is ash from the bark of Redshanks collected in southern California. It was prepared in a laboratory muffle furnace. The calcium oxalate phytolith have been converted to calcium carbonate and almost to calcium oxide but their shape is still evident. The black rounded grains are coked resin beads. With reflected light they are quite reflective. The black angular fragments and the elongated elements are charred cell walls.