The Domestication and Dispersal of Large-Fruiting Prunus spp.: A Metadata Analysis of Archaeobotanical Material

The Prunus genus contains many of the most economically significant arboreal crops, cultivated globally, today. Despite economic significance these domesticated species, pre-cultivation ranges, processes domestication, and routes prehistoric dispersal for all species remain unresolved. Among European plums, even taxonomic classification has been heavily debated over past several decades. In this manuscript, we compile archaeobotanical evidence prominent large-fruiting members Prunus, including peach, apricot, almonds, sloes, main plum types. By mapping out chronology geographic distributions are able to discuss aspects their domestication more clearly, as well identify gaps in data unanswered questions. We suggest that a clearer understanding will say lot about ancient peoples, cultivation delayed return crops is an indicator strong concept land tenure specialization strategies seems be tied urbanism reliable markets. Likewise, evolution traits long-generation perennials, especially within Rosaceae, represents awareness grafting cloning practices.