The {101} surface of l-arginine trifluoroacetate (LATF) crystals has been investigated by ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). The main step sources were observed in the form of growth spirals. The growth spirals are rounded and highly anisotropic. Microcrystals transferred from aggregates deposit at the step-edged on the facets. It is suggested that the microcrystals may lead to the formation of macrodefects during growth. Etching experiments reveal circular hollow cores, indicative of both screw dislocation growth, and negative crystals generated by further crystallization in the entrapped liquid inclusions are investigated.