Albo-variegated popular garden plant in the tropics

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is a large-scale tropical aroid cultivated primarily as an important crop in the Caribbean and Latin America. 'Variegatum monstrosum' is a mutant cultivar with curved leaves and white variegation along the leaf margin.

The plant easily reaches 2 meters in height, but can grow to 3 meters or more with regular care and fertilization. The huge, arrow-shaped leaves are quite fragile and are easily torn by wind.

This impressive plant produces large edible tubers that are a primary source of carbohydrates in Trinidad, Suriname, Cuba and many Latin American countries, where they are cooked grilled, fried, pureed in soups or grilled whole.

Botanical description

Xanthosoma sagittifolium originated in the jungles of southern Central America, Venezuela, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and other South American countries, and quickly spread across the Caribbean.

The genus name Xanthosoma comes from the Greek xanthos (yellow) and soma (body), referring to the yellow internal tissues of some species. The specific epithet sagittifolium means arrow-shaped leaves.

The plant belongs to the Araceae family and is closely related to Colocasia (taro) and Caladium. Xanthosoma species are known to be highly variable and each leaf on each specimen does not always look the same.

The underground tubers (often incorrectly called bulbs) can become very large and constitute the main economic value of the crop. The plant reproduces either by producing seeds or by developing "offspring" from the base.

Care

Xanthosoma sagittifolium is grown as a vegetable crop in full sun but reaches a more impressive height in light shade.

Thrives in rich, moisture-retaining soil with good drainage, such as our peat-free soil . Water abundantly during the growing season and fertilize regularly.

The tubers are harvested when they have reached full size, usually after 8-12 months.

Like all aroids, the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation. The tubers must be cooked thoroughly before consumption to neutralize these substances. Buy Xanthosoma sagittifolium variegatum monstrosum online!