Raphides are bundles of microscopic, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals found inside specialized cells in many plants. They function partly as a constitutive defence because the sharp crystals can irritate or injure the mouth and digestive tissues of animals that chew the plant.
Raphides are common in many houseplant families, including Araceae, which contains Monstera, Philodendron, Anthurium, and Alocasia. They also help plants regulate and store calcium.
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