Appendix B

Edible and Medicinal Plants

Taro, cocoyam, elephant ears, eddo, dasheen

Taro, cocoyam, elephant ears, eddo, dasheen
Colocasia and Alocasia species

Description: All plants in these groups have large leaves, sometimes up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall, that grow from a very short stem. The rootstock is thick, fleshy, and filled with starch.

Habitat and Distribution: These plants grow in the humid tropics. Look for them in fields and near homesites and villages.

Edible Parts: All parts of the plant are edible when boiled or roasted. When boiling, change the water once to get rid of any poison.

CAUTION

If eaten raw, these plants will cause a serious inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Survival index

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