Manihot esculenta aka Cassava

Manihot esculenta, also known as cassava, manioc, or yuca, is a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to South America. It is an annual crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize, and a staple food for over half a billion people in the developing world. It is highly adaptable and can grow on marginal soils, making it one of the most drought-tolerant crops. Cassava can be classified as either sweet or bitter, with the latter containing higher amounts of toxins and antinutritional factors. Improper preparation of cassava can cause acute cyanide intoxication, goiter, ataxia, partial paralysis, or death. However, when properly prepared, cassava is a highly nutritious food source, providing more calories than potatoes and packed with fiber and nutrients. The cassava plant has large green leaves and produces multicolored flowers in warm colors during spring and summer. It is easy to care for and adaptable, making it a practical addition to any garden. Cassava is also a rare houseplant that thrives in long-lasting, direct light and regular watering. While cassava is often called yuca in Spanish America and the United States, it is not related to yucca. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava, while Thailand is the largest exporter of cassava starch. Farmers often prefer bitter varieties of cassava as they deter pests, animals, and thieves. The plant is also used to extract cassava starch, called tapioca, which has various food, animal feed, and industrial purposes. The Brazilian farinha and the West African garri are edible coarse flours obtained by grating cassava roots, pressing off moisture, and drying.