A shrub, up to 10 x 10 feet or perennial or even annual depending on climate. The tuberous roots are poisonous raw ( can be fatal if eaten uncooked ) but can be made edible if cooked and with the right preparation. It is part of the Euphorbia family. It is native to Brazil and is cultivated as a root crop in many tropical regions around the world.
The deeply palmate leaves are divided into 3 to 7 lobes, each up to 8 inches long. The foliage is solid mid-green on the wild form.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 as a shrub, 8 to 9 as a perennial, can be grown as an annual in temperate regions where summers are hot and humid. It prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well drained soil.
'Variegata'
Similar to species execept for stunningly creamy-white to yellow center variegated foliage. The red leafstalks add some interesting contrast to the foliage.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on July 3 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash DC
* photo taken on Oct 23 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash, DC
