Vicia articulata, a traditional crop legume, near extinction, found in Santorini (Thera), Greece; possible implication for archaeobotany/ palaeoethnobotany and its great value for its future need in agriculture.

Abstract

Abstract Vicia articulate Horne. a not highly domesticated legume, which is used as green manure, fodder and, in times of stress, as food, is in the process of extinction. Although it was mentioned as cultivated up to the 1950s in many parts of Greece, lately, the only area, which is known to still cultivate it, is on the Cycladic island of Santorini, Thera, and referred to as ‘lentil’. The aim of this paper is threefold: a) to intercept its extinction, as it is an excellent plant for green manuring and fodder and enriches, the soil with nutrients and humidity, under arid conditions. Its importance in agriculture and husbandry needs to be redressed. It produces even under ≤ 300 mm of rain, which is of utmost importance in times of Climate Change. B) to draw the attention of archaeobotanists to pay more attention in identifying lentil-type legumes in the archaeological contexts, and widen our knowledge on the legumes cultivated in the past, as well as build their biographies regarding their domestication trajectories and use. C) Call for the attention of ethnobotanists, archaeobotanists and farmers to cooperate, protect and promote traditional systems of agriculture, which are more sustainable, in arid environments.