Variegated Manihot

[MattyB]

Paul pointed this plant out to me last year and I've had it on the brain ever since. Where do you get this beauty? Does it make a tree like the regular Manihot? It seems the only specimines we saw were multi-stemmed shrubs.

[LJG]

I use to have this. I tore them all out. When they get big, they look like variegated weeds. And you will get no pudd'in.

I am sure I will get into trouble with that comment since this is such a popular 'tropical effect' in colder climates.

[fastfeat]

I agree with Len--variegated weeds, at least my opinion from what I've seen in Florida. Never cared much for the green one either.

[_Keith]

I grow a few of these as annuals every year. They can be found in nurseries here in the spring, in 4" pots for about $5. They get to 5 to 6 feet in a season and are striking at that size. They are totally frost intolerant and start to decline in the upper 30s. Any freeze at all and they are done. As an annual they are worth every penny.

If they get weedy cut them down near the root. I suspect they would return in your climate.

[Al in Kona]

Hey Matty B - I thought about you today as I walked thru the plant nursery at the Kona Wal Mart and what should I see

for sale but MANIHOT - VARIGATED FORM in 1-gal. size pots for $6. However, I've found them easy to grow from cuttings (just like Poinsettias). In summer time I've stuck trimmed branches into the ground here and before you know it they've taken root and are growing into a new plant. They can be a nice looking plant in the landscape but eventually get quite tall and top heavy and need to be trimmed back severly. Heard they are quite tender to frost and dislike cold wet soil tho'.

[aussiearoids]

I have a nice large one and it drops all foliage even here in wet tropics .

[MattyB]

Great info guys, thanks. I like stuff that I can hack back with a machete. Hiya!!!!!!

[aussiearoids]

I pinched out the tips on this several times to make it big round and bushy . It is twice the size now and shading the Cordylines .

[Al in Kona]

Hey Matty B - I thought about you today as I walked thru the plant nursery at the Kona Wal Mart and what should I see

for sale but MANIHOT - VARIGATED FORM in 1-gal. size pots for $6. However, I've found them easy to grow from cuttings (just like Poinsettias). In summer time I've stuck trimmed branches into the ground here and before you know it they've taken root and are growing into a new plant. They can be a nice looking plant in the landscape but eventually get quite tall and top heavy and need to be trimmed back severly. Heard they are quite tender to frost and dislike cold wet soil tho'.

MattyB - Mine form seed every year which I could send you but from any that have fallen to the ground and sprouted, they all seem to revert to the solid green form. So I guess if you want the more ornamental varigated form you will need to propigate it by cuttings. Come by and I'll give you all you want unless I cut them all back before you get here!

[Tropicalken]

I tried this several times in South Pasadena and it always rotted out during the winter. Perhaps Len could tell me the secret of growing these in Southern California. I suspect that my soil is just too heavy, being a large percentage of clay.

To buy one locally, check out Kartuz Nursery in Vista. They used to sell little ones in very small pots.

Ken

[aussiearoids]

the trick would be to strike a few cuttings late in the season and overwinter them inside .

[Big Tex]

I use to have this. I tore them all out. When they get big, they look like variegated weeds. And you will get no pudd'in.

I am sure I will get into trouble with that comment since this is such a popular 'tropical effect' in colder climates.

Oh, but the roots are very tasty!

[Gan Eden]

I pinched out the tips on this several times to make it big round and bushy . It is twice the size now and shading the Cordylines .

The ones you sent me are still bare and no sign of new growth yet?

[BigFrond]

I bought the non-varigated form after seeing it at the Quail Botanical Garden. It's still in a 5 gal pot. However, after reading some info about it on Davesgarden, I may just leave it in the pot.

[metalfan]

I've grown them on and off forover 10 years. They don;t usually take winter, the ones I have had here have all died in winter, but a specimen I planted across town at my old house in about 1995 still comes back from the roots every spring. Go figure. I have a potted specimen in the GH that I lug in and out as a container plant, but even in the warm GH they seem to be quite deciduous

[paulgila]

i dont care what len says,i still want one.

[Al in Kona]

All you guys are interested in this plant only for its ornamental value. What about using the tuberous roots for food?

Check this out . . .

From Our (Brazilian) Home to Yours - Recipes

Food, family and memories...

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Cassava or Yucca Root - Grow Your Own # 5

Cassava, yucca, Brazilian arrowroot, mandioca... So many names for a root that can be used in a variety of dishes. The most known ingredient extracted from the root of cassava is tapioca flour, tapioca starch or yucca flour. Sounds familiar? I use cassava as much as many people use potatoes. Puddings, breads, cakes, chips, deep fried, purées, dumplings, soups, etc. can be made with cassava or tapioca. Gluten-free, it can replace wheat flour and it is very used by people with wheat allergies, like coeliac disease.

This is my contribution to this month’s Grow Your Own event.

The pictures were taken from my husband's family farm. Cassava is organically grown there and right now I have some in the freezer for future recipes.

Note - check this link to see photos and more detailed information on this plant:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...sa%3DX%26um%3D1

To view a recipe using tapioca, please click the picture.

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Yucca stew - Grow Your Own 1st anniversary

Avocado Lassi - Grow Your Own # 3

Courgette Salsa - Grow Your Own #9 LinkWithin