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Leaves are valuable, but very rare, remains in archaeological contexts, as they can provide precise information on the landscape vegetation composition, the past climatic conditions and the use of plant resources in a settlement. La Draga (Spain) is an early Neolithic site partially waterlogged, which has allowed the preservation of organic material. During the excavation of the oldest level (7300–7000 cal BP), we recovered 29 leaf samples in an optimal state of preservation. Here we explore the potential of these leaves as indicators both of the use of vegetation at the settlement and of past climatic conditions. Firstly, we determined the species identity by comparing the leaf morphological and microanatomical traits with those of contemporary individuals. Secondly, we analyzed the leaf stomatal patterning (stomatal density, index, and size) as proxies of paleoclimate during the Neolithic, when lower atmospheric CO2 and wetter conditions are documented. The leaves of La Draga were identified as Laurus nobilis and Buxus sempervirens, two evergreen species well documented at the site from other archaeobotanical records, such as charcoal and wooden implements. We found no differences in stomatal traits between the archaeological and the contemporary leaves of L. nobilis and B. sempervirens, which shows the limitation of stomatal frequency as proxies for CO2. The presence of these species at the site provides good complementary data for past woodland vegetation composition and the production of wood implements. The wide distribution of L. nobilis leaves across the site suggests that this taxon was present in the riparian forest at the site surroundings. In contrast, leaves of B. sempervirens were grouped together, which might indicate that they belonged to the same branch, probably transported as raw material from nearby forests to the settlement. This study illustrates the value of archaeological leaves to provide a better understanding on the past vegetation and human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the floristic and ecological diversity of plants traditionally used in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Central Western Spain, Iberian Peninsula). We identified all plant species used by the local people and classified them in 10 general use-categories. All the ethnobotanical data used derive from global ethnobotanical research carried out from 2005 to 2009. The results are analyzed with respect to the total flora of the area and to the ecological diversity of the species in their habitats. The conservation and management of these taxa are also analyzed. We discuss the implications of their harvesting for the development and conservation of their natural populations and habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]