phytolith
/ˈfaɪtəlɪθ/
noun
- A tiny, hard particle made of silica that forms in the cells of plants and remains in soil after the plant decays.
- The shape of a phytolith can help identify what kind of plant it came from.
- Scientists study phytoliths to learn about past climates and farming.
- Archaeologists found phytoliths from ancient wheat in the soil sample.