Contents
Description
Manihot Esculenta, commonly known as cassava, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to South America but is now cultivated in many tropical regions around the world. Cassava is a staple food for millions of people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its starchy tubers are a rich source of carbohydrates and are used to make various dishes such as fried cassava, cassava chips, and cassava flour.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Manihot |
Appearance
Cassava is a woody shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a straight, slender stem with smooth, pale bark. The leaves are large, simple, and deeply lobed with a length of up to 30cm. The flowers are small and white, arranged in panicles at the end of the branches. The fruit of cassava is a capsule that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Cassava is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to care for your cassava:
Water
Cassava requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Cassava is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 and apply it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Soil
Cassava prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a pH level of 5.5-6.5. Ensure that the soil is loose and aerated to promote healthy root growth.
Sunlight
Cassava requires full sunlight to grow and produce tubers. Ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Cassava is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. It grows best in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cassava is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by the following:
Pests
- Cassava green mite
- Cassava mealybug
- Cassava whitefly
Diseases
- Cassava mosaic virus
- Cassava bacterial blight
- Cassava brown streak virus
Habitat
Cassava is native to South America but is now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It grows best in warm climates with temperatures between 25-30°C and requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the health benefits of cassava?
A: Cassava is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins such as vitamin C, folate, and thiamine. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Q: How long does it take for cassava to mature?
A: Cassava takes between 8-18 months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Q: Can I grow cassava in a container?
A: Cassava can be grown in a large container with well-drained soil. However, it is important to ensure that the container is placed in a sunny location and that the plant receives regular watering and fertilization.
Q: How do I harvest cassava?
A: Cassava is harvested by digging up the tubers from the ground. The tubers should be cleaned and peeled before cooking.
Related Plants
- Manihot dulcis (sweet cassava)
- Manihot palmata (yucca)
- Manihot esculenta var. crantzii (bitter cassava)
References
- “Cassava.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2021.
- “Cassava Production.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAO, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2021.
- “Manihot Esculenta.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2021.
