Complex biomineralization pattern in cactaceae

The infrared spectroscopic investigation of biominerals isolated from different Cactaceae species belonging to the Opuntioideae subfamily shows the presence of a very complex mineral composition, including whewellite (monohydrated calcium oxalate), opal (SiO2) and calcite (CaCO3). This is the first report on the presence of a calcium carbonate in these types of plants.