White fleshed malanga
Xanthosoma caracu
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A large herb. It grows up to 2 m tall. The stem is not above ground. The leaf stalk is thick and fleshy. The wings are tinged violet. They is a waxy bloom on the back. The leaf blade is bluish-green and shiny above and pale underneath. It is spear shaped and pointed and 25-50 cm long. It is 45 cm wide. It has tubers underground.
There are 57 Xanthosoma species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Cameroon, Central America, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guianas, Guyana, Honduras, India, Mexico, North America, Northeastern India, Puerto Rico, South America, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, West Indies
How it is used for food
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Leaves, corms, root
How it is grown
The tubers can be stored.
Its other names
Local names
Caracu, Tarabolii, Tegue, Yautia blanca, Yautia manola