New research from the BB-LAB

As cherry trees begin to bloom, it's the perfect moment to share new research from the BB-LAB.

PhD researcher Rosalie Hermans investigates phytoliths—microscopic silica bodies formed in plant tissues that can preserve for thousands and even millions of years. These durable plant remains offer archaeologists valuable insight about past vegetation, agriculture, and plant use, especially when other organic remains are no longer preserved.

In a new study, she focuses on dicotyledons—a large group of plants that includes herbs, shrubs, and many trees, like the beloved cherry blossom. Even though this plant group plays a big role in our past landscapes and societies, it had never been systematically studied for their phytoliths in Northwest Europe—until now.

To fill this gap, Rosalie analysed modern plant species growing in the region, studying their phytolith footprint. The result is an extensive reference collection that will help archaeologists more accurately interpret the phytoliths in their archaeological samples to reconstruct palaeoenvironments and human–plant interactions.

Read the full article here