Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
cassava, manioc
Family Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name:
Manihot esculenta
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
the cassava plant is a tropical shrub-like plant that can reach up to 3 m (10 ft) in size (1). The roots that form on this plant are very large and tuberous (4). The stems of this plant are smooth and erect. This plant widely resembles a cannabis plant (2). Also the stems contain a soft white pith and many nodes. These nodes can be propagated and new plants can form from them. The leaves of the cassava plant are palmately lobed and form a green color (1). The leaves are relatively big; they are about a foot long. They are divided into 5-9 lobes. The stipules are present in this species and they can be entire or split. The flowers produced are inconspicuous and are in a panicle inflorescence (4). The flower color can differ depending on the cultivar. The most common is gold/yellow, pink and white (5). After the flower is pollinated the fruit of the cassava is formed. The fruit is a globose capsule. It is smooth and contains 3 seeds (4).
Compound:
Geographic Origin:
Brazil
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The cassava plant was originally domesticated around 8,000-10,000 years ago. It first originated in southern Brazil and eastern bolivia. Cassava starches have been identified in Colombia approximately around 7500 years ago and in Panama about 6,900 years ago. It also has been found in Belize and Mexico around 5,800 years ago and 3,300 years ago respectively. Currently this plant is the 6th most cultivated plant. It currently is grown in vast parts of the world and consists of many peoples' diets (6).
Cultivation Notes:
The cassava plant grows best in zones 9-12, meaning this plant is suitable for growing in Tucson, AZ. The plant grows best in part sun part shade and prefers to dry out between watering (3). They are suitable for soil that is sandy loam or clay. Propagation of the cassava is fairly easy it can be down from seed or by cutting (7).
Ethnobotany:
The cassava plant has many benefits from food to medicinal it even has potential for defense and poison. This plant is high in protein in the leaves and has a starchy root system. (7)
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Cream
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Allergen:
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
