products
plant/edible, root vegetable, high starch
corm: edible root rich in starch, used in cooking
leaves: edible after proper cooking, rich in fiber and vitamins
flour: made from dried corms for baking and gluten-free recipes
medicine: used in traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and digestive health properties
perennial: grows back yearly with proper care
root: underground corm stores starch and nutrients
leave: large, heart-shaped, glossy, rich in nutrients
flower: small, enclosed in a spathe, rarely blooms
corm: primary edible part, starchy and rich in carbohydrates
environment: thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with ample moisture
climate: requires warm, humid conditions; grows best in wetlands or well-irrigated areas
- water needs: high
- optimal temp: 25–30°C
- humidity: >70%
- flood-tolerance: excellent
soil: prefers loamy, well-drained soil but can tolerate clay-rich soils
- soil pH: 5.5–6.5
germination: sprouts in 10–15 days from corms
growth: develops large leaves and matures in 6–12 months depending on variety
harvest: corms are ready for harvest when leaves start wilting
propagate plants: mainly vegetative, using corms or cormels
- irrigation: consistent moisture is essential
- weed control: weeds compete with young plants and should be removed regularly
chemical compounds
| compound | part of plant | amount (approx.) | properties/usefulness |
|---|---|---|---|
| amylose | corm | 60% of starch | energy storage, slow digestion |
| cellulose | leaves, corm | trace amounts | supports digestion, dietary fiber |
| vitamin a | leaves | 5,000 IU per 100g | antioxidant, supports vision |
| vitamin c | leaves, corm | 20 mg per 100g | immune booster, antioxidant |
| calcium | leaves, corm | 50 mg per 100g | bone health, muscle function |
| potassium | leaves, corm | 650 mg per 100g | regulates blood pressure and hydration |
| magnesium | corm | 30 mg per 100g | supports muscle and nerve function |
| oxalates | leaves, corm | trace (toxic raw) | reduced by cooking, can cause irritation |
| quercetin | leaves | trace amounts | antioxidant, anti-inflammatory |