MANIHOT UTILISSIMA Meaning and
Definition
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Manihot utilissima, commonly known as cassava or manioc, is a tropical perennial plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is extensively cultivated for its starchy tuberous roots, which serve as a significant food source in many tropical regions of the world.
The cassava plant typically grows up to 2-4 meters in height, with large, palmate leaves that have a distinctive glossy green color. The tuberous roots, varying in size and shape, are the most valuable parts of the plant. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in length and weigh several kilograms. These roots are rich in carbohydrates and are harvested for their high starch content.
Cassava has evolved as a vital crop due to its adaptability to various soil conditions and resistance to drought. It has become a staple food for millions of people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The roots are either consumed raw or processed into various food products such as flour, starch, pearls, and chips.
Although cassava is a valuable food source, it can be toxic if not properly prepared. The roots contain naturally occurring toxic substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. Therefore, thorough processing methods such as soaking, fermenting, and cooking are necessary to remove the toxic compounds before consumption.
In addition to its significance as a food crop, cassava also has industrial uses. The starch extracted from cassava roots is utilized in the production of bioethanol, paper, textiles, and as a thickening agent in various products.
Overall, Manihot utilissima, or cassava, is an important tropical plant that provides nourishment and other valuable materials to communities worldwide.
Common Misspellings for MANIHOT UTILISSIMA
- nanihot utilissima
- kanihot utilissima
- janihot utilissima
- mznihot utilissima
- msnihot utilissima
- mwnihot utilissima
- mqnihot utilissima
- mabihot utilissima
- mamihot utilissima
- majihot utilissima
- mahihot utilissima
- manuhot utilissima
- manjhot utilissima
- mankhot utilissima
- manohot utilissima
- man9hot utilissima
- man8hot utilissima
- manigot utilissima
- manibot utilissima
Etymology of MANIHOT UTILISSIMA
The word "Manihot" and "utilissima" both have separate etymologies.
The genus name "Manihot" comes from the indigenous South American word "maniok" or "manihot", which was the common name for this plant in the Tupí-Guaraní languages. The word was adopted and modified by the Portuguese to "mandioca", and later by the Spanish to "yuca". The scientific name "Manihot" was first used by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century when he classified this plant.
The species epithet "utilissima" is derived from the Latin word "uti" meaning "to use" or "useful", and "issima" a suffix used to indicate the highest degree or superlative form. Therefore, "utilissima" can be translated as "most useful" or "very useful".
