Introduction

Tropical Archaeobotany fills the need for a substantial reference work on plant remains from the tropics. It covers the examination, identification, and interpretation of plant remains in tropical archaeology, as well as the origins, spread, distribution, and past use of tropical plants for food and other purposes.

Technological Developments

Recent technological developments in electron microscopy and biochemical and genetic research, as well as increased interest in tropical environments and ecosystems, are now beginning to realize the great potential for archaeobotanical research in the tropics.

Case Studies and Techniques

With the use of case studies from a wide range of areas, this volume details the latest macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical techniques for the analysis of plant remains, from seeds, roots, and tubers to epidermal fragments, pollen, and phytoliths.

Chapter Focus

Each chapter of Tropical Archaeobotany focuses on a different aspect of archaeobotanical research, using detailed examples from a variety of tropical areas, though with its emphasis on techniques and methodology, the book has a relevance beyond the regional scope of each chapter.