Manihot species

Tapioca, Cassava

There are two different species of plant that are grown under these names. They are Manihot esculenta and Manihot dulcis. There are over 200 different cultivars grown.
Some references suggest these two species are synonymous (i.e. the same species). According to Hortus Third though, they are two different plant species.
They are most widely cultivated in tropical areas across Africa, the Caribbean, Central America and South East Asia. They are also occasionally called “Yuca” or “Manioc”.
M. esculenta is a shrub to 3 m high with long tuberous, edible roots. It has higher levels of prussic acid (0.02 to 0.03%), than M. dulcis, hence is known as “Bitter Cassava”. 
M. dulcis is known as “Sweet Cassava”.
Apart from varying levels of prissic acid; the two can also be differentiated by leaf shape. M. esculenta has 3 to 7 lobes in its leaves; while M. dulcis has up to 13 leaf lobes. 

Uses

No information available at this time...

Culture

Growing conditions
Rich, sandy soil preferred with a pH between 5.5 to 8. Good drainage is essential.  Growth is dramatically reduced at temperatures below 16°C.
Nutrient requirements
Cassava rarely needs added fertilisers. But if soil is poor, use a complete organic blend.

Propagation

Stem section up to 25 cm in length are inserted half into the prepared ridged ground, about 1.2 m apart.