Introduced Dioscorea spp. starch in Lapita and later deposits, Vao Island, Vanuatu

Abstract

Analysis of deposits at a Lapita site in Vanuatu revealed putative starch grains of Dioscorea nummularia in ∼2800-3100 cal. BP layers and of Dioscorea pentaphylla in a ∼2000 cal. BP layer, suggesting local cultivation of these tuberous crops. The Dioscoreaceae are a new addition to the introduced cultigens thus far directly identified for prehistoric Vanuatu. © 2010 The Royal Society of New Zealand.