Araceae Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott
Source: Magness et al. 1971
Dasheen is a variety of taro, an important food crop in tropical countries, that is grown to a limited extent in the U.S. for its edible corms. A corm, from the previous season is planted in early spring and produces a vigorous plant with very large cordate leaves on long petioles. A new crop of corms forms about the original "mother" corm. These are harvested in late fall. They are starchy foods, similar to potatoes, but a little sweeter. The edible corms develop entirely underground. Now little grown in continental U.S. Dasheens require higher soil moisture than Yautia, which see, for the development of the "mother" corm.
Production in U.S.: 10 acres reported in 1954 census. Hawaii reported 8 acres in 1968 with a production of 125 tons.
Use: As cooked vegetable, similar to potato.
Part of plant consumed: Corms only.