This document provides an overview of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a significant tropical food crop known for its starchy, tuberous roots. It details the plant's history in Florida, its physical characteristics, and its uses, including as a vegetable, animal feed, and in products like glue and tapioca pudding. The document also describes the cultivation requirements for cassava, emphasizing the need for frost-free months and specific planting techniques. Additionally, it highlights the importance of processing cassava roots to remove toxic substances before consumption. Original publication date May 1994.