The pollen record from Grotta Romanelli (Apulia, Italy): New insight for the Late Pleistocene Mediterranean vegetation and plant use

Pollen analyses have been carried out on the infilling deposits of Grotta Romanelli (Apulia, Italy), a reference site for Middle and Upper Palaeolithic Italy. The analysis focused Terre rosse, fine unit till now ascribed to an interstadial phase following Würm acme, uppermost (Terre brune), recently dated latest Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Despite diffuse barrenness low pollen concentration many levels, data from gives insights into palaeoenvironmental setting their chronological attribution. presence Olea in all levels rosse strongly suggests attribution Last Interglacial (Eemian), during which this plant was diffused Mediterranean area. brune deposition occurred when environment open, with rare trees shrubs prevailing steppe elements. This association reflects climatic conditions Lateglacial, evidence both warm Bølling/Allerød cold stadial Younger Dryas. Mediterranean, mesophilous riparian arboreal elements are present, especially Early Holocene levels. Comparison modern material allowed some fossil grains, found high amounts clusters, be tentatively species Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae), Muscari comosum Asparagus maritimus/Ornithogalum (Asparagaceae). significant occurrence such entomophilous plants reveals differential transportation inside cave and, since most them edible and/or medicinal properties, intentional introduction possible use time, by Neanderthals humans.