Cassava

Abstract

The genus Manihot is endemic only in the Western Hemisphere and is found mostly in the dry frost-free tropics. M. esculenta, a possible allotetraploid, (2n = 36) is not found in the wild state. A center of cassava origin is believed to be somewhere in the northern Amazon region of Brazil, with dispersal thousands of years ago to adjoining areas. Southwest Mexico is also considered a region of origin or diversity. Considerable diversity is found between cassava forms in southern Mexico and Central America as compared to those in northeastern Brazil. In the period after Columbus, cassava was introduced into Africa in the late 16th century and to India during the early 19th century. In these locations as well as Southeast Asia, cassava rapidly became an important food staple.