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Link to enlarge vase K7784 &#copy; Justin Kerr Charles Zidar
ANCIENT MAYA BOTANICAL RESEARCH

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


Other Plant Photos:


Additional views of the plant species, click on a photo below to view larger image.



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