Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Manihot esculenta, or Cassava, is a woody perennial shrub cultivated for its starchy, tuberous roots. A vital tropical staple, it requires proper processing to remove tox
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun (at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily).
Watering
Regular watering, especially during growth and tuber development. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile, sandy loams to loamy soils. Tolerates a range of soil types but avoids heavy, waterlogged clays. pH 5.5-7.0.
Temperature
Warm temperatures, optimal 25-30 °C. Sensitive to frost.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Balanced NPK, higher in potassium, during planting and active growth.
Care Requirements
Full sun (at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily).
Regular watering, especially during growth and tuber development. Avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, fertile, sandy loams to loamy soils. Tolerates a range of soil types but avoids heavy, waterlogged clays. pH 5.5-7.0.
Warm temperatures, optimal 25-30 °C. Sensitive to frost.
Outdoor
Balanced NPK, higher in potassium, during planting and active growth.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Category
Vegetable
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
1-5 m
Spread
0.5-2 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
Growth slows in dry/cool seasons
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Palmate, deeply lobed
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
75000
Image Gallery
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderMalpighiales
- familyEuphorbiaceae
- genusManihot
- speciesManihot esculenta
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 8/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 8/5
Edible
Yes
Raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin) which release hydrogen cyanide upon hydrolysis. Proper processing, including peeling, grating, soaking, fermenting, and thorough cooking, is essential to detoxify the roots and make t