Xanthosoma caracu (yautia horqueta) is a species of edible plant described by Karl Koch and Carl David Bouché.[1] It is native to South America and cultivated in Puerto Rico.[2]
| Xanthosoma caracu | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Xanthosoma |
| Species: | X. caracu
|
| Binomial name | |
| Xanthosoma caracu | |
Description
editXanthosoma caracu grows to between 1.5 metres (5 feet) to 1.8 m (6 ft) in height. The leaves are bluish-green and glossy on top and pale underneath, growing up to 0.61 m (2 ft) long and 38 centimetres (15 inches) wide.[3]
Toxicity
editThe entire plant contains a toxin which requires it to be cooked before it can be safely eaten.[4]
Uses
editThe corms and leaves are edible and are cultivated for food in Mexico, the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico) and northern South America.[5][6] The corms are high in starch.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Xanthosoma caracu K.Koch & C.D.Bouché". The Plant List. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ Liogier, Alain H. (2000). Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: A Systematic Synopsis. La Editorial. p. 250. ISBN 9780847703692.
- ^ Morton, Julia F. (1972). "Cocoyams (Xanthosoma Caracu, X.Atrovirens and X. Nigrum), Ancient Root-and Leaf- Vegetables, Gaining in Economic Importance". Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 85: 85–94.
- ^ a b United States Department of the Army (2009). The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-60239-692-0. OCLC 277203364.
- ^ Mansfeld, Rudolf (2001). Mansfeld's Encyclopedia of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops: (Except Ornamentals). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 2329. ISBN 9783540410171.
- ^ Wiersema, John H. (1999). World Economic Plants: A Standard Reference. CRC Press. p. 531. ISBN 9780849321191.
Data related to Xanthosoma caracu at Wikispecies