Archaeobotanical analysis of diverse plant food resources and palaeovegetation at the Zhumucun site, a late Neolithic settlement of the Liangzhu Culture in east China

Floatation of archaeological remains from sediments of the Neolithic Zhumucun site, attributed to the Liangzhu Culture (5300-4300 BP), demonstrates the diverse plant resources available at this site. The plant remains suggest a generally warm and humid wetland landscape where rice-based subsistence was possible. Domesticated rice was cultivated in paddy fields and served as the only cereal, while some melons and fruits, such as muskmelon (Cucumis melo) were probably cultivated as well. In addition, some species of Polygonum might have been utilized as vegetables. Furthermore, herbs such as Potentilla sp., Zehneria indica, and Lagenaria siceraria var. microcarpa were probably collected for medical purposes.