Hi Don,
That would make sense as the persistent seed capsules are very woody. Also the site was exactly where you would expect to find Buddleja growing today, urban and semi-derelict. Shows the importance of a well stocked reference collection.
Thank you
Kath
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don O'Meara" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thursday, 11 April, 2013 12:12:44 PM
Subject: Re: ?Orchidaceae
Kath,
my first thought was Buddleja davidii. Are they from a British urban
site (possibly late medieval?).
I have found remains like these from sites in Northern English cities
(particularly one site we had in the centre of Newcastle where the upper
deposits were heavily contaminated with them, and positively identified
via reference material). As this plant is often endemic (in the modern
period) in waste areas in cities it might represent intrusive material
(I think it was only introduced to Britian in the late 1700s). The plant
itself produces many of these fruits and they might be accidently
incorporated into soils during excavation as they can be blown about.
I've found a similar problem with birch seeds on sites excavated during
the late Autumn.
As it is a common urban plant you should be able to collect reference
material by around any large city/town (as well as being a good excuse
for a pleasant stroll)
--
Kath Hunter
Project Officer (Archaeobotany)
Oxford Archaeology South
--
Kath Hunter
Project Officer (Archaeobotany)
Oxford Archaeology South
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