Wild fruits which could be gathered by the cliff dwellers include Grapes and Elderberries, both of which are found in the canyon. There is also a Wild Potato sometimes found in the canyon bottom. The tubers are small, seldom as large as small cherries. Perhaps these were eaten with a seasoning of clay, as is the Hopi custom of today. These Indians are known to eat a salty clay with the Wild Potato and the berries of Lycium. This particular clay counteracts the acid which would otherwise make the foods inedible. Walnut Canyon produces several annual plants which could be boiled and eaten as greens. These include Cleome or Bee Weed, Lambs Quarter, and Mustard. |