The Phytoliths in the Flora of Ecuador project: Perspectives on phytolith classification, identification, and establishing regional phytolith databases

The Phytoliths in the Flora of Ecuador project was undertaken to establish diagnostic phytolith types and phytolith vegetation signatures to enhance archaeological and paleoenvironmental phytolith applications in the region. In this paper I discuss the “products” of this research, and provide links to on-line resources. Among the lessons learned from this project: the importance of systematic phytolith naming and classification, documentation, and having a strong regional research focus.