What is the scientific name of the cassava plant native to South America?
The scientific name of the cassava plant is Manihot esculenta. This woody shrub is native to South America, specifically the regions of Brazil, Paraguay, and the Andes.
Common questions about Cassava
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was cassava first domesticated and where did it originate?
Cassava was likely first domesticated no more than 10,000 years ago in west-central Brazil. Wild populations of the subspecies flabellifolia, the progenitor of domesticated cassava, are centered in this region.
How does cassava cause poisoning and what are the symptoms?
Cassava causes poisoning through the enzyme linamarase which breaks down toxic compounds into poisonous hydrogen cyanide. This can lead to goiters, acute poisoning, and fatal neurological disorders like ataxia if the plant is not processed correctly.
Which country currently leads the world in cassava production?
Nigeria leads the world in cassava production with 18% of the global total. Thailand stands as the largest exporter of cassava starch.
What historical event caused a major famine due to cassava virus in the 1920s?
An outbreak of the African cassava mosaic virus in the 1920s led to a major famine. A mutation in Uganda in the late 1980s made the virus even more harmful, causing the complete loss of leaves and spreading at a rate of 100 kilometers per year.
How do West African communities traditionally detoxify bitter cassava roots?
West African communities traditionally detoxify bitter cassava roots by peeling, grating, and soaking them in water for 48 to 72 hours to initiate spontaneous fermentation. This process reduces the cyanogenic potential by 85 to 99 percent and lowers residual cyanide to within the World Health Organization safe limit of 10 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide per kilogram.