Gadung tikus, Tacca
Tacca palmata
Family: Dioscoreaceae
What it is like
A herb which has tubers and is dormant for part of the year. It grows 40 cm high. The leaves are at the base and are divided like fingers on a hand. They have 5 lobes. The leaves are 15-20 cm long. The leaf stalks is 30 cm long. The flowers are black to purple. They are nodding. The 2 main bracts are erect. There are 2 smaller bracts below. There are no threadlike bracts.
Also put in the family Taccaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits seasonally moist and dry climates. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs a neutral to acid pH. It suits bright shade. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Timor-Leste
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Starch
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Suweg