Cassava - Manihot esculenta (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Cassava

Also known as: Tapioca, Mandioca

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

Green, Variegated

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cassava

Distribution of Cassava

Distribution Map

Cassava is native to Central and South America, spreading across major regions like the Amazon Basin. Its cultivation and introduction extend to tropical and subtropical regions on multiple continents including Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Cassava thrives in diverse environments, from Asia's monsoon climates to Africa's savannas, making it a staple in various introduced ranges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivation

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Root, its axis, its inner strength

Interesting Facts

Cassava is one of the world's most productive crops in terms of food calories per unit land area. Roughly 500 million people depend on cassava as their key source of calories. It must, however, be properly prepared because raw cassava contains cyanide compounds. It also gets used as a source for biofuel and laundry starch.

Name Story

Manioc: In Brazil, where it has grown native for hundreds of years, the traditional name for Cassava is cassava. This was altered to Manihot for the plant's genus name when it was scientifically described. The specific epithet, esculenta, means "edible" or "good to eat."

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Toxicity

Cassava, containing linamarin and lotaustralin, can release cyanide and cause serious symptoms including dysfunctional breathing, convulsions, and temporary coma in humans if ingested. It poses moderate toxicity to cats and dogs, mainly targeting the leaves and roots. Ingesting these parts can lead to poisoning, requiring immediate veterinary care. Nutrient-deficient individuals are more susceptible to severe effects.

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Quickly Identify Cassava

Deeply lobed leaves, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, variegated with white or yellow patterns.

Inconspicuous male and female flowers, yellow to cream-colored, 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) across.

Unique 6-angled globose capsule fruit with brown to grey seeds marked with black patches.

Bushy herb with elongated tubers and toxic raw roots, requiring proper cooking for consumption.

Male and female flowers on the same plant, blooming mainly during warm, rainy seasons.

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Care Guide for Cassava

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Cassava, native to tropical South America, is drought-tolerant and thrives with intermittent rainfall. Watering is required every 1-2 weeks. Best grown outdoors in well-draining soil, it mimics its native environment's cycles of occasional rain and dry periods.

Fertilize: For cassava, high nitrogen fertilizers should be applied bi-monthly, adjusting during dormancy. Early growth requires more nitrogen, while mature plants benefit from balanced feeding. Apply as per package instructions, focusing on root zone application to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent foliage burns, ensuring optimal growth and yield.

Pruning: Cassava thrives with pruning from early spring to late spring, removing damaged or crowded stems to boost health and yield. Focus on lower branches for disease prevention. Regular pruning enhances root and tuber growth. Always sterilize tools to avoid infection.

Propagation: Cassava is propagated using tubers in spring, featuring a straightforward process. Signs of success include sprouting and new leaf growth. To ensure healthy growth, avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot.

Repotting: Repot cassava every 2-3 years before the growth period in early spring. Use a spacious pot for root development. After repotting, keep cassava consistently moist without waterlogging, and provide bright, indirect light to promote resilience and tuber production.

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Images of Cassava

Distribution of Cassava

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Cassava

Care Guide for Cassava

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