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Charles Zidar
ANCIENT MAYA BOTANICAL RESEARCH |
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| Family: | Euphorbiaceae | | Genus: | Manihot | | Species: | esculenta | | Authority: | Crantz | | Common Name: | manioc | | Maya Name: | cassava, tsin or white cassava | | Maya Plant Use: | Food, ornamental uses, medicine, poison, products, spice/flavorings/preservatives and latex.
How important was Manihot esculenta was to the Maya? How early was it utilized, and where was it first domesticated? The genus includes almost 200 species. | | Botanical Significance: | The ancient Maya may have used Manihot sp. for food in times of draught and famine? It may have been used more than that of corn? Manioc was considered a stable in the diet of the Maya, being a critical source of starch/carbohydrates?
| | Notes: | Verify - See White 1999
Manihot utilissima - bitter/poisonous
Manihot dulcis - sweet/innocuous |
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