Raphide Crystal Structure in Agave Tequilana Determined by X-ray Originating from Synchrotron Radiation

The first single crystal structure of small natural raphides in an agave plant is completely determined using an intense X-ray originating from a synchrotron radiation. The SEM image shows that the tip of the crystal is approximately hundreds of nanometer in width sharply grow to stick to the tissue of herbivorous vermin. Furthermore, the crystal develops cracks that propagate at an inclination of approximately 45° towards the direction of crystal growth such that the crystal easily splits into small pieces in the tissue.