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Manihot esculenta 'Variegata'
| Family Name: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Common Name: | Variegated Tapioca, Ubi Kayu, Variegated Cassava |
The Variegated Tapioca has stunning deeply lobed leaves with yellow to cream coloured centres and a margin of green, its bright red leaf stalks (petioles) add to its ornamental appeal. This plant is easy to grow and does well in both full and semi-shade conditions.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.9 m to 1.2 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.9 m to 1.2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Semi-woody perennial with large tuberous roots. |
|---|---|
| Roots | Roots are large, oblong and rich in starch (20 - 76 cm long, 2.5 - 7.5 cm wide). |
| Foliage | Spirally arranged, palmately compound leaves (30 cm wide) consist of 6 - 7 elliptic leaflets. Leaflets are initially yellow in the center with an irregular green border, but the yellow coloration fades to cream-colour. The green border is thickest near the apex of each leaflet and often absent at the leaf base. Petioles are long and red (60 cm long). |
| Stems | Red stems are round and brittle. |
| Flowers | Flowers are not commonly observed. |
| Cultivation | This species is easy-to-grow, fast-growing and tolerant of most soil types including acidic and alkaline soils. Optimal growth occurs in moist, but well-drained sandy loam soils enriched with compost. Allow 0.9 - 1.8 m space between individuals and feed with a slow-release fertilizer. It is resistant to most pests, because all parts of the plant body contain toxic hydrocyanoic glycosides. |
| Etymology | The genus Manihot is from the Tupi-Guarani name, manioca for cassava. The specific epithet esculenta means edible by humans, which refers to the root. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This species is grown for its ornamental foliage. The large, palmately compound leaves mounted on long petioles give the plant a graceful, elegant look. The variegated leaves will provide contrast against mostly green foliage. This species is attractive when planted in small groups. Consider planting it alongside Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) and Banana (Musa spp.). It is suitable for container plantings and would grow well on a sunny patio. It could also provide a focal point as a specimen plant. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Acidic (low pH) Soils, Alkaline high pH Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Propagate by cutting the stem into pieces containing at least 1 node (20 - 35 cm long). Place sections 7 - 15 cm below ground in a horizontal orientation. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Green, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Palmate) |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 917 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2211 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
