Description

• Manihot is a genus of flowering plants in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), comprising shrubs and small trees, many of which have milky latex and distinctive palmately lobed leaves. The best-known species is cassava (Manihot esculenta), a major tropical food crop cultivated for its starchy roots. Other species vary in leaf shape, growth form, and habitat, and some produce small flowers in clusters followed by three-lobed capsules. Certain species contain cyanogenic compounds that can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when plant tissues are damaged, so they should not be eaten without appropriate identification and processing.

Range

• The genus Manihot is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, with its greatest diversity in South America. Several species occur in Mexico and Central America. Manihot is represented in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Species of Manihot grow in a variety of habitats, including tropical dry forests, woodland edges, scrub, grasslands, and disturbed areas. Many prefer warm climates and well-drained soils, and some tolerate seasonal drought. Cassava and other cultivated species may also be found in gardens, agricultural fields, and rural landscapes.