Xanthosoma
1
9.9
A tropical plant with thick edible roots and large decorative leaves
- noun
- /ˌzænθəˈsoʊmə/
- Specialized
:
Xanthosoma
- The landscape designer included Xanthosoma in the garden for its ornamental foliage.
Examples
-
Many gardeners love to plant Xanthosoma for its striking leaves and unique aesthetic.
-
I can recognize species of passionflowers, cannas, ipomeas, Xanthosoma, and tree ferns.
Academic text (2002) -
In tropical regions, Xanthosoma is often cultivated for its edible tubers.
Compounds
Xanthosoma sagittifolium
- Specialized
9.9
A tropical plant with large edible roots cooked like yams or potatoes
Xanthosoma atrovirens
- Specialized
9.9
A tropical American plant with large edible tubers cooked like yams
Surface Forms
Etymology
Xanthosoma comes from Greek parts xanthos 'yellow' and soma 'body'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of 'yellow body': the plant often has a yellowish root that people eat and large, attractive leaves, so the name fits this tropical food and decorative plant.