Colocasia esculenta
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Taro. (Discuss) |
| Colocasia esculenta | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Subfamily: | Aroideae |
| Tribe: | Colocasieae |
| Genus: | Colocasia |
| Species: | C. esculenta |
| Binomial name | |
| Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott |
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Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corm, a root vegetable known as Taro. It is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated plants.[1]
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[edit] Description
[edit] Taxonomy
The specific epithet means "edible" in Latin.
Taro is closely related to Xanthosoma and Caladium, plants commonly grown as ornamentals, and like them it is sometimes loosely called elephant ear.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
Taro was probably first native to the lowland wetlands of Malaysia (taloes). Estimates are that taro was in cultivation in wet tropical India before 5000 B.C., presumably coming from Malaysia, and from India further transported westward to ancient Egypt, where it was described by Greek and Roman historians as an important crop.
An Australia, Colocasia esculenta var. aquatilis is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia; variety esculenta is naturalised in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
[edit] Uses
Its primary use, however, is the consumption of its edible corm and leaves. In its raw form the plant is toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate,[2][3] and the presence of needle-shaped raphides in the plant cells. However, the toxin can be destroyed and the tuber rendered palatable by cooking[4], or by steeping in cold water overnight.
Corms of the small round variety are peeled and boiled, sold either frozen, bagged in its own liquids, or canned. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals.
It is also sold as an ornamental aquatic plant.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Colocasia esculenta |
- ^ Country profile: Samoa, New Agriculturist Online new-agri.co, accessed June 12, 2006
- ^ Weird Foods from around the World
- ^ ASPCA: Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic Plant List
- ^ The Morton Arboretum Quarterly, Morton Arboretum/University of California, 1965, p. 36.
