Manihot esculenta

Manihot esculenta, commonly known as cassava, manioc, or yuca, is a woody shrub native to South America of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates.

Description

Manihot esculenta is a perennial shrub reaching a height of 1–3 meters. The leaves are spirally arranged, and the petioles may be up to 30 cm in length. The plant produces petal-less flowers on a raceme. The root of the plant, which is cylindrical and of a uniform thickness, is the edible part.

Cultivation and uses

Manihot esculenta is one of the most important sources of carbohydrates in the tropics. The plant is very hardy, and can be grown in low-nutrient soils and dry regions. The roots are peeled, ground into a flour-like substance, then cooked. This process removes the naturally occurring cyanide compounds and makes the root safe to eat. The plant is also used in the production of tapioca and biofuel.

Nutritional value

The root of the Manihot esculenta plant is rich in starch, and contains significant amounts of calcium, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. However, it is low in protein and other nutrients. In contrast, the leaves of the plant are rich in protein, vitamins A and C, and minerals, and can also be eaten if properly prepared.

Toxicity

The roots and leaves of Manihot esculenta contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when eaten raw. Proper preparation and cooking can reduce the levels of these compounds to safe levels.

See also

• List of root vegetables
• Tapioca
• Biofuel

This plant related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.