Manihot Utilissima

This euphorbiaceous plant yields cassava or

mandiocca meal. It is extensively cultivated in tropical climates

and supplies a great amount of food. The root is the part used,

and in its natural condition is a most virulent poison, but by

grating the roots to a pulp the poison is expelled by pressure,

and altogether dissipated by cooking. The expressed juice, when

allowed to settle, deposits the starch known as tapioca.