Xanthosoma caracu

Xanthosoma caracu is a species of edible plant in the family Araceae. It was first formally described by Karl Koch and Carl David Bouché. It is native to South America and cultivated in Puerto Rico.

Description

Xanthosoma caracu grows to between to in height. The leaves are bluish-green and glossy on top and pale underneath, growing up to long and wide.

Toxicity

The entire plant contains a toxin which requires it to be cooked before it can be safely eaten.

Uses

The corms and leaves are edible and are cultivated for food in Mexico, the Caribbean and northern South America. The corms are high in starch.