Xanthosoma caracu facts for kids

Xanthosoma caracu (yautia horqueta) is a type of plant that people can eat. It was first described by scientists Karl Koch and Carl David Bouché. This plant originally comes from South America. Today, it is also grown in places like Puerto Rico.

What is Xanthosoma caracu?

This plant, Xanthosoma caracu, can grow quite tall. It usually reaches about 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) high. Its leaves are a pretty bluish-green color. They look shiny on the top side. The underside of the leaves is a lighter, paler color. Each leaf can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 15 inches (38 cm) wide.

Is it Safe to Eat?

The entire Xanthosoma caracu plant contains a natural substance that can be harmful if eaten raw. Because of this, you must always cook the plant thoroughly before eating it. Cooking makes it safe and ready to enjoy.

How is Xanthosoma caracu Used?

People grow Xanthosoma caracu for its edible parts. Both the corms and the leaves are used as food. A corm is like a short, swollen underground stem. It stores food for the plant, similar to a potato.

The corms are especially good because they are full of starch. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that gives you energy. This plant is an important food source in many areas. You can find it grown and eaten in Mexico, the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), and northern South America.