Indigenous Networks Key to Peaches' Spread in North America
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Indigenous networks and land management practices were crucial in the spread of peaches across North America, challenging the narrative that Spanish explorers were solely responsible. Radiocarbon dating and historical document analysis show that peaches were widespread in Indigenous settlements by 1620, facilitated by the integration of Spanish and Indigenous trade networks. The research highlights the significant role of Indigenous communities in cultivating and diversifying peach varieties, which became integral to their culture and history.