cassava
Manihot esculenta
sweet cassava
About this plant
Cassava is a woody shrub grown mainly for its starchy tuberous roots, which are a major food source in tropical regions. It has palmate leaves and produces small flowers. The roots must be properly processed to remove natural toxins before eating. Cassava is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Manihot
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Malpighiales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- South America
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, Southeast-facing, Southwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 5–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 15 °C
- Maximum
- 40 °C
- Optimal
- 25-35 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-12
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, sandy soil
Watering. Water regularly during dry periods but allow soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. Established plants tolerate some drought.
Fertilizing. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season to support root development. Organic compost can also be beneficial.
Cassava is a hardy plant that prefers warm, sunny locations and can tolerate dry conditions once established. It needs well-draining soil and moderate watering. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot. Regular maintenance includes removing weeds and occasional fertilizing.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Attractive palmate leaves and small greenish flowers; the plant has a bushy form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Low spread
Cassava roots contain natural toxins that must be removed by proper cooking before eating. The plant's sap can irritate skin; avoid direct contact.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Manihot esculenta, also known as cassava, can cause skin irritation in some people due to its sap. Those with sensitive skin should wear gloves when handling it. The plant's pollen is not a common allergen. To reduce exposure, avoid direct contact with the sap and wash hands after handling.
Common problems
Common problems include root rot from overwatering or poor drainage, pest attacks like mealybugs or mites, and leaf yellowing due to nutrient deficiencies.
Uses
Grown primarily for its edible starchy roots used in cooking and food products. Also used as animal feed and in industrial starch production.
Notes
Prune to manage size and encourage bushier growth. Repot young plants annually if grown in containers. Handle roots carefully to avoid damage.