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swamp taro

Scientific Name: Cyrtosperma chamissonis

Family: Araceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Giant Swamp Taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii and Cyrtosperma chamissonis)

Giant Swamp Taro, known scientifically as both Cyrtosperma merkusii and Cyrtosperma chamissonis, is an important crop in Oceania and parts of South and Southeast Asia. It's also referred to as Swamp Taro and Pulaka.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cyrtosperma merkusii is described as having "prickly stalks."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Araceae
  • Synonyms: The text indicates both Cyrtosperma merkusii and Cyrtosperma chamissonis are used, suggesting possible synonymy or close relationship.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Grown throughout Oceania and into South and Southeast Asia.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include: Philippines (native), Bohol (Philippines), Micronesia (Guam, Palau, Yap State, Ulithi Atoll), Henderson Island (Southeast Polynesia), Tuvalu, Kiribati, Pohnpei, and Funafuti Atoll.
  • Thrives in riverine and swampy areas, including atolls.

Ecological Role

  • Dominant aroid on the atoll islands of the Pacific.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Giant herbaceous perennial.
  • Typically has 6-8 huge, arrow-shaped leaves.
  • Leaves arise from a short subterranean stem.
  • Leaf blades are 1-2 meters in size.
  • Grows into a cluster of enormous, upright, heart-shaped leaves on long, prickly stalks to about 4 m (13 ft).

Uses and Cultural Significance

  • Important for food security, especially on low-lying atoll islands.
  • The corm can be roasted, boiled, or baked.
  • Culturally important, used in feasts and weddings.
  • Important crop for food security and its use and management is being encouraged.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Can be affected by corm rot caused by the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis.
  • Generally carries very few pests or diseases, except for the disease recorded in Guam, Palau, and Yap State.

Quirky Facts

  • Giant Swamp Taro is one of the few subsistence crops that grows well on atolls.

Further Information

  • A Dictionary of Plant Sciences dictionary.
  • Encyclopedia.com
  • Global Crop Diversity Trust
  • EBSCOhost