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GREEN-Seeds.com
vegetables & herbs
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Euphorbiaceae
Tapioca,
Cassava; Mu Shu; Ubi Kayu, Ubi Tanah, (M); Maravali-Kelengu, (T); Mok-Shu,
(C); Chew-Chi, (H).
Manihot Esculenta Crantz. (Euphorbiaceae)
Description
Tapioca
A shrubby perennial 1-5 m tall, propagated easily by stem cuttings. Branching
usually occurs near the apex of the main stem. Leaf scars are conspicuous.
Leaves are alternate, palmately-lobed on long petioles. Latex tubes occur
in all parts of the plant exuding a sticky, milky fluid on injury. The
latex in younger plant parts is a clear, watery juice. The root tubers
contain a glycoside that yields highly poisonous hydrocyanic acid and
this is responsible for their bitter taste. The quantity and distribution
of this acid divides the cassava into two main racial groups - bitter
and sweet. The latter is relatively free from poisonous properties. However,
the bitter type is a staple food in several countries, the sweet type
is rarely if ever a staple food.
Origin
Besides the tuberous roots, only very young leaves free of the milky latex
can be consumed.
It was first domesticated in Central or South America, having been cultivated
there for several thousand years by the American Indians. It is not known
to occur wild. The cassava was taken to West Africa by the Portuguese
in the sixteenth century and then spread to the rest of the world. It
is only during this century that it has achieved its great importance
as food crop.
Uses
It is second in importance to sweet potato as a tropical root crop. Its
easy propagation and storage in the ground makes it an important famine
relief crop. Young starchy roots are peeled and steamed or made into kueh
and cakes prepared from pounded paste. Flour or meal made from the root
is used in making bread and other dishes. Starch is also manufactured
for paper, laundry and other industrial products. The young leaves may
also be consumed as a green vegetable but this is sold only in kampong
markets, rarely in larger ones.
Chekur
Manis, (M); Thavasai-Murunggai, (T); Ma-Ni-Chai, (B).
Sauropus Androgynus merr. (Euphorbiaceae)
Description
Chekur Manis. Once a popularly cultivated vegetable in local farms.
A small shrub with alternate, oval-shaped leaves, seemingly pinnate, much
grown in tropical Asia.
Origin
It is found in India and throughout Malaysia, cultivated and commonly
wild.
Uses
One of the most popular leaf vegetables eaten by Malays, the leaves when
cooked are firm. The leaves and young shoot can be eaten raw or steamed.
It is used as a colouring matter in food in Indonesia.
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Green - Seeds Co., Ltd.
81/10B Ho Van Hue Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ward 9, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 (8) 847 6901 - Fax: +84 (8) 844 1392 - Email: info@green-seeds.com
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