Cassava

Cassava is a woody shrub native to South America of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava is remarkably drought-tolerant, capable of surviving in poor soils where many other crops would fail. Its starchy roots can be processed into flour, bread, and tapioca. Despite its agricultural importance, all parts of the plant contain cyanogenic glucosides, which require proper and thorough processing before safe human or animal consumption to prevent severe toxicity and health issues.