Chenopodium is a plant with a dozen different names (lamb's quarters, goosefoot, taak, fat hen, huantzontle, quinoa among many others), and it was domesticated a half-dozen different times in various places throughout the world. Rich in nutrients and minerals, the various forms of chenopodium are considered an under-used worldwide crop that could go far in providing nutrition in many different ecological areas.
Chenopodium berlandieri Photo by Matt Lavin
An interesting debate about chenopodium is in the North American continent, where two separate species of the plant have been identified in Woodland cultures. Recent DNA studies published in December's Journal of Archaeological Science support the identification of Berlandieri ssp jonesianum as having been independently domesticated by American Archaic people in southeastern and central North America.
- Read more about chenopodium
- Guide to the American Archaic
- Guide to Plant Domestication
Comments
I’ve often wondered what this was since it often dominates the pollen analysis charts I’ve seen from prehistoric features. I had no idea!