Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (ca. 3050 - 2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Horrocks, M. and Nunn, Patrick D. (2007) Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (ca. 3050 - 2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji. Journal of Archaeological Science, 34 (5). pp. 739-748. ISSN 0305-4403

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Abstract

Starch residue, pollen and phytolith analysis was carried out on coralline deposits from a c. 3050–2500 cal. yr BP Lapita site at Bourewa, Viti Levu, Fiji. Starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals and xylem cells of introduced Colocasia esculenta and Dioscorea esculenta were identified, involving a process of elimination of possible taxa by cross-correlation of microfossil types. The data provide an eastward extension of direct evidence of Lapita horticulture in Remote Oceania previously identified in Vanuatu.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
Divisions:	Office of the PVC (R&I)
Depositing User:	Ms Mereoni Camailakeba
Date Deposited:	25 May 2007 03:18
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2012 01:21
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/707

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