Colocasia esculenta

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Colocasia esculenta

Colocasia esculenta (pronunciation: /kɒləˈkeɪʒə ˌɛskjʊˈlɛntə/), commonly known as taro, is a plant species in the family Araceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and Southern India, but it is cultivated and naturalized elsewhere.

Etymology

The name "Colocasia" is derived from the ancient Greek word "kolokasion", which was used by Pliny the Elder to describe both the plant and its edible corm. "Esculenta" comes from the Latin "esculentus", meaning "edible".

Description

Colocasia esculenta is a perennial, tropical plant primarily grown as a root vegetable for its edible starchy corm, and as a leaf vegetable. It is a staple food in African, Oceanic and South Asian cultures.

Cultivation

The plant is propagated by planting the corms, which will sprout into a new plant. The plants can be harvested 6 to 9 months after planting when the leaves start to yellow and die back.

Culinary uses

The corms, which have a high starch content, are roasted, boiled, or baked and used in various dishes. The leaves are also used as a vegetable or used as a wrapper for food.

Related terms

  • Araceae: The plant family to which Colocasia esculenta belongs.
  • Corm: The part of the plant that is typically consumed.
  • Taro: The common name for Colocasia esculenta.

External links

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