Sedge Foodplants Growing in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, and Cyperus Esculentus Tubers (Patrysuintjies) as a C4 Superfood

A comprehensive inventory of sedge species (Cyperaceae) in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, reveals that 29 taxa thrive there, most with C4 photosynthetic pathways. Contrary to prior hypotheses, these sedges do not require aquatic environments, challenging the 'aquatic diet' theory for early hominins. The study identifies six species as current foodplants for baboons and humans, highlighting Cyperus esculentus (patrysuintjies) as a potential nutritious C4 superfood due to its energy, protein, and lipid content. This research corrects dietary reconstructions by providing photographic records and nutritional insights, offering new perspectives on hominin subsistence strategies in southern Africa.

Lombard, M. (2022). Sedge Foodplants Growing in the Cradle of Humankind, South Africa, and Cyperus Esculentus Tubers (Patrysuintjies) as a C₄ Superfood. Open Quaternary, 8, 5. https://doi.org/10.5334/oq.110