Humanities and Arts
Sedge Foodplants Growing in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, and Cyperus Esculentus Tubers (Patrysuintjies) as a C4 Superfood
Marlize Lombard
Marlize Lombard
Palaeo-Research Institute, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, ZA
Abstract
Since it was established that the early hominins of the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa ate 13C-enriched foods that may have included sedges with C4 photosynthetic pathways, much work has focused on the reconstruction of hominin dietary ecologies in both southern and eastern Africa. Through the years emphasis was placed on Cyperus papyrus as a possible source, even inspiring an ‘aquatic diet’ hypothesis for all hominins. Baboon feeding habits and sedge regimes observed in South Africa’s ‘Lowveld’ have provided a proxy for the dietary ecology of the southern ‘Highveld’ hominins, and from the Cradle of Humankind sedges, amongst other plants, have been collected for nutritional studies. To date, however, there has been no attempt to compile an inventory of the sedge species currently growing in the demarcated area of the Cradle of Humankind. Here I list 29 Cyperaceae taxa currently recorded as growing in the Cradle of Humankind. I show that, contrary to previous inference, most of them have C4 photosynthetic pathways and do not need aquatic ecologies or permanent wetland settings. I discuss and provide photographic records for the six species identified as current baboon and human foodplants, and highlight Cyperus esculentus as a possible nutritious and prolific C4-sedge-USO food source for southern African hominins based on its energy, protein and fat/lipid profile.
Key Questions
What is the main focus of the study on sedge foodplants in the Cradle of Humankind?
The study focuses on identifying and cataloging sedge species (Cyperaceae) currently growing in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa. It explores their potential role in the dietary ecology of early hominins, particularly their nutritional value and photosynthetic pathways (C3 vs. C4), and highlights their significance as a food source.
What does the study reveal about the photosynthetic pathways of sedges in the Cradle of Humankind?
The study reveals that most of the 29 Cyperaceae taxa identified in the Cradle of Humankind have C4 photosynthetic pathways. This challenges previous assumptions that these sedges required aquatic or wetland environments, as C4 plants are typically adapted to drier, sunnier conditions.
How does the study connect sedges to the dietary ecology of early hominins?
The study connects sedges to early hominin diets by identifying six sedge species currently consumed by baboons and humans. It suggests that these plants, particularly Cyperus esculentus (Patrysuintjies), could have been a nutritious and abundant food source for hominins due to their high energy, protein, and fat/lipid content.
What is the significance of Cyperus esculentus in the study?
Cyperus esculentus (Patrysuintjies) is highlighted as a potential "C4 superfood" for early hominins. Its tubers are rich in energy, protein, and fats, making them a highly nutritious and easily accessible food source. The study suggests that this plant could have played a key role in the dietary ecology of southern African hominins.
How does the study address the 'aquatic diet' hypothesis for hominins?
The study challenges the 'aquatic diet' hypothesis by showing that many sedges with C4 pathways do not require aquatic environments. Instead, they thrive in drier conditions, suggesting that hominins could have accessed these nutritious plants without relying on permanent wetlands.
What are the broader implications of the study for understanding early hominin diets?
The study provides new insights into the dietary ecology of early hominins by emphasizing the importance of C4 sedges as a food source. It suggests that hominins in the Cradle of Humankind had access to a diverse and nutritious plant-based diet, which could have supported their survival and evolution.
