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coco yam
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta
Family: Araceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cocoyam: A Tropical Root Vegetable
Cocoyam is a common name used to refer to several tropical root vegetables belonging to the family Araceae. This article explores some basic facts and benefits of cocoyam.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Common Names: Cocoyam, Taro, Dasheen (in the Caribbean, specifically the English-speaking region)
- Scientific Names:
- Colocasia esculenta
- Xanthosoma sagittifolium
- Xanthosoma violaceum
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Araceae
- Kingdom: (Not explicitly stated in the text, but implied as plantae)
- Synonyms: The text mentions "old cocoyam" and "new cocoyam," referring to different varieties based on their resemblance to yams and their historical cultivation in coconut groves.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cocoyam is a tropical plant.
- It is commonly found in Africa (where it is called cocoyam), the Caribbean (where Colocasia esculenta is called Dasheen), and Australia.
Uses and Consumption
- Cocoyam is primarily grown as a root vegetable for its starchy edible corm and leaves.
- The corms are consumed after boiling, frying, or roasting.
- It is used similarly to yam, being boiled, fried, or pounded into fufu.
- Cocoyam is used as a soup thickener.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cocoyam is a herbaceous perennial plant.
- Colocasia esculenta is a perennial forb that originates from a large corm and can grow up to 4 ft (1.5 m) in height.
Ecological Role
- Cocoyam is considered a food security crop for poor farmers.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the presence of "acridity factors" that can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth and throat, which may be a consideration if pets ingest the plant.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions the presence of "acridity factors" that can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth and throat, which may be a consideration if children ingest the plant.
Quirky Facts
- The names "old cocoyam" and "new cocoyam" originated because the former was planted in coconut groves and resembled yams, while the latter resembled the "old cocoyam."