Fruits of Lithospermum officinale L. (Boraginaceae) used as an early plant decoration (2500 years BP) in Xinjiang, China

Fruits glued on two wooden tubs were discovered in the Yanghai Tombs of Xinjiang, China. The tombs were built about 2500 years ago. Morphological and anatomical features of Fruits show them to be Lithospermum officinale L. The fruits were assembled into obtriangular shapes along the tub mouth. This is a report of people using plant fruits for decorative purposes 2500 years before present. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.