Colocasia esculenta

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Colocasia esculenta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Alismatales Family: Araceae Genus: Colocasia Species: C. esculenta
Binomial name
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott

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]

Contents 1 Description 2 Taxonomy 3 Distribution and habitat 4 Uses 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References

[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.

[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] although the toxin is destroyed by cooking^[4] and the presence of needle-shaped raphides in the plant cells. However it can be rendered palatable by cooking, 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 an ornamental aquatic plant.

[edit] See also

• Aquatic plants

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

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