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Family Araceae

HAWAII - POLYNESIAN INTRODUCTION / CULTIVATED

Colocasia esculenta

UH Manoa, Oahu

TARO    KALO    SATOIMO

Native to Malaysia & cultivated in watered paddies throughout the tropics.  Remains an important staple in Pacific Islands.  Stinging calcium oxalate crystals must be removed by cooking or soaking in cold water before consumption.  Starchy root or corm is mashed with water to create poi.  Leaves are cooked like spinach.  Also grown as an ornamental.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taro