Cassava roots in a pile

Cassava

Latin Name: Manihot esculenta

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Other names: Yuca, Manioc, Cassava tapioca

Culinary use

Cassava is one of the most important cultivated tropical food crops. Its tuberous roots are high in carbohydrates and are eaten cooked in a variety of dishes. They are also fried as chips and processed into a flour called tapioca. The young leaves can be eaten cooked as a spinach-like vegetable. The roots and leaves are toxic when raw and need to be cooked before eating. 

Medicinal use

Cassava is believed to have antifungal, antiviral, mutagenic, and antibacterial properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and indigestion.

SOURCES

Plants of the World Online

Useful Tropical Plants