What are the characteristics of cassava leaf?
The main characteristic of cassava leaves is their high protein content (as high as an excellent alfalfa) with a good amino acid profile except for methionine. They are good sources of minerals (Ca and trace elements) although P and Na contents are rather low. They also supply natural pigments (xanthophylls).
What is the leaf arrangement of cassava?
Arrangement of the leaves on the stem of the cassava plant (Phyllotaxy 2/5). There is generally an uneven number of lobes, ranging from 3 to 9, but this characteristic varies with the variety. The number of lobes can also differ among leaves of the same plant. Lobes are from 4 to 20 cm long and from 1 to 6 cm wide.
Is Manihot poisonous?
A bushy herb or shrub with elongated tubers; leaves alternate, simple, deeply lobed; flowers inconspicuous; fruit a 6-angled globose capsule. The raw tuberous roots are highly toxic but are edible once properly prepared and cooked.
What is the leaf margin of cassava?
Cassava leaves are simple, consisting of a lamina and a petiole (Figure 8). Each leaf is subtended by two sti- pules, about 1 em long. The petiole is between 5 and 30 em long and varies from green to purple. The lamina has a smooth margin and is deeply palmate or lobed.
What are the benefits of cassava leaves?
Benefits and nutritional profile of cassava Cassava is a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. The leaves, which are also edible if a person cooks them or dries them in the sun, can contain up to 25% protein.
What is Crantz in Manihot esculenta?
Root and Tuber Crops Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), also called Tapioca in Asia; Manioc in Africa; Manioca, Yucca, and Mandioca in Latin America, originated in South America. The Manihot genus has approximately 100 species, and cassava is the only commercially cultivated one.
What is the local name of cassava leaf?
cassava, (Manihot esculenta), also called manioc, mandioca, or yuca, tuberous edible plant of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) from the American tropics.
Are cassava leaves toxic?
The cassava plant is consumed by 500,000 million people in 80 countries across the world including Sierra Leone. What makes it so poisonous is that both the leaves and root contain cyanogenic glycosides; chemicals that can be broken down to release hydrogen cyanide.