Micromorphological traits play a significant role both in systematic and functional aspects of plant
survival in response to environmental stimuli. Plant structural trait such as raphides play a vital role in
protecting plants from herbivore attack, cause discomfort by physical and chemical irritation by dermal
contact to soft tissue thus acts as defensive mechanism. These morphological characteristics may have
evolved as response to other environmental stimuli. The presence of raphides (Calcium oxalate crystals)
in the anther endothecium represents a rare character, reported in the present study which is of systematic
significance. In the present study raphides are present in vegetative and reproductive parts of Urginea
indica. The mild inflammation and irritation caused when the bulb is rubbed on the skin reveals that it
takes part both in mechanical and chemical irritation when they come in contact with tender tissue and
protect themselves against herbivore attack. Results indicate that raphide bundle size varies considerably
within species. These suggest that, Raphides have some potential to be a useful taxonomic tool. Polarized
microscope shows variation in the colouration of raphides
