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cyrtosperma
Scientific Name: Cyrtosperma
Family: Araceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Cyrtosperma: An Overview
Cyrtosperma is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Araceae family (the arums). Several species within this genus, particularly Cyrtosperma merkusii, hold significant cultural and nutritional value, especially in Oceania and parts of Asia.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Cyrtosperma merkusii, or giant swamp taro, features long, prickly stalks.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Cyrtosperma
- Common Names: Swamp Taro, Giant Swamp Taro, Gallan, Pulaka
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Cyrtosperma
- Family: Araceae
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
- Synonyms:
- Lasia merkusii Hasskarl (for Cyrtosperma merkusii)
- Cyrtosperma edule Schott (historical reference)
- Cyrtosperma johnstonii (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br.
Distribution and Habitat
- The origin of Cyrtosperma merkusii is possibly in western Malaysia or Melanesia (Solomon Islands).
- It is now distributed wild and cultivated throughout Oceania, South and Southeast Asia, and the Central Pacific atolls.
- Cyrtosperma macrotum is found in New Guinea.
- It thrives in riverine and swamp environments.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cyrtosperma merkusii is a giant aroid that grows into a cluster of enormous, upright, heart-shaped leaves on long stalks, reaching about 4 meters (13 feet).
- It is a giant herbaceous perennial plant with typically 6-8 huge leaves arising from a short subterranean stem.
- Moderately robust to gigantic solitary or rarely suckering herbs reaching about 4 meters tall.
- Rhizome is short.
- Leaves: 2-several petiole brown, green, or mottled in various ways.
Ecological Role
- Giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) is an important staple food on Pacific atoll islands.
Quirky Facts
- Confusion has existed over the proper specific name of domesticated Cyrtosperma.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cyrtosperma merkusii can be affected by corm rot caused by the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis.
Further Information
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
- International Aroid Society.
- Encyclopedia of Life.
- USDA-NRCS, National Plant Data Center.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.