Recrystallized from a solution that was several days old, these micro crystallites of vitamin C resemble a pattern of tree roots. Actually, ordered rows of miniature spherulites are interspersed with ribbon-like crystals that are far less organized to render a surrealistic effect. The objective was a plan apochromat 4x/0.16 NA coupled to a low-power achromatic condenser and illuminated with a 12-volt, 100-watt tungsten-halide lamp. The microscope was a Zeiss Ultraphot III with an automatic 35-millimeter photohead. The film was Fujichrome Velvia. (10x)