Looking for name of a ~weedy tree, may be called sarcropia

17 years ago

Here is a picture of a relatively common tree in Honolulu. I want to get the name and search to see if the tubers are edible.

Here is a link that might be useful: Picture of tree ?sarcropia?

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Comments (2)

leilaniguy
17 years ago
It looks like Cecropia, trumpet tree, supposedly the flower buds are edible, but I don't know that for a fact.
LisaCLV
17 years ago
While it does somewhat resemble a Cecropia, if you're seeing white sap and tubers on the roots, I'm betting it's some form of Manihot esculenta, AKA Cassava, Tapioca, Manioc, Yuca etc. The leaflets look a bit wider than those I've seen, but it looks more like that than a Cecropia.

Cecropia leaves are rough-textured and slightly fuzzy, while Cassava is smooth. Also the Cecropia will grow into a huge tree in no time flat, whereas Cassava usually tops out around 5-6 ft. or so.

If it is Cassava/Tapioca, the tubers produce an edible starch, but some varieties are poisonous until you grate the root and leach out the juices. Better read up on it before you try making your own tapioca pudding!

Here is a link that might be useful: Manihot esculenta
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