Cassava
Manihot esculenta
Also listed as Jatropha manihot, Manihot aipi
Also known as Manioc, Tapioca, Tapioca Plant
Climate Match for your location
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Cassava is a tropical woody shrub cultivated for its starchy edible tuberous roots, a staple carbohydrate crop in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant produces small red or pink flowers but is valued primarily for underground root production rather than ornamental appeal.
Why grow it
Cassava offers reliable yield of calorie-dense roots in tropical and subtropical climates where other staple crops may struggle, making it a practical choice for food security in warm regions. Compared to potato or sweet potato, cassava tolerates poorer soils and drier conditions once established, though it requires a longer growing season (8-24 months depending on variety and climate). The plant also produces edible leaves high in protein, offering dual-purpose harvest potential that many other root crops do not.
Watch out for
Cassava requires consistently warm temperatures and may perform poorly or fail in regions with extended cool periods or significant frost risk. Harvest timing affects root texture and starch content, so learning variety-specific maturity windows helps optimize yield for intended uses. The plant's long growing season means planning space and succession planting carefully if aiming for year-round production in marginal climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
South America
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Common cultivars include 'Rayada' and 'Tapioca' selections, bred for high yield and disease resistance. Cultivar choice depends on local climate, pest pressure, and starch content desired for food or industrial use.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Cassava is a tropical woody shrub cultivated for its starchy edible tuberous roots, a staple carbohydrate crop in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant produces small red or pink flowers but is valued primarily for underground root production rather than ornamental appeal.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cassava grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cassava offers reliable yield of calorie-dense roots in tropical and subtropical climates where other staple crops may struggle, making it a practical choice for food security in warm regions. Compared to potato or sweet potato, cassava tolerates poorer soils and drier conditions once established, though it requires a longer growing season (8-24 months depending on variety and climate). The plant also produces edible leaves high in protein, offering dual-purpose harvest potential that many other root crops do not.
Watch out for
Cassava requires consistently warm temperatures and may perform poorly or fail in regions with extended cool periods or significant frost risk. Harvest timing affects root texture and starch content, so learning variety-specific maturity windows helps optimize yield for intended uses. The plant's long growing season means planning space and succession planting carefully if aiming for year-round production in marginal climates.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native Range
South America
Seasonality
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Common cultivars include 'Rayada' and 'Tapioca' selections, bred for high yield and disease resistance. Cultivar choice depends on local climate, pest pressure, and starch content desired for food or industrial use.