How to Grow and Care for Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) comes from South America but has become a major source of carbohydrates for many peoples around the world. This is especially true in low-income areas since it is cheap to grow. Only when properly cooked the starchy root of it is edible. The rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten. Cassava's natural starches are also useful in laundry products, and it is under investigation as a source of biofuel as well.

Desertmountain manihot is distinguished by its slender, lobed leaves and tuberous roots, which it relies on for water storage in its native drought-prone habitats. Its hardy nature allows it to thrive in poor soils, where its foliage may display a vibrant green, drawing a stark contrast to the often arid surroundings. The plant's resilience and unique leaf shape contribute to its recognizability.