Wild yucca
MANIHOT ESCULENTA
Origin BRAZIL
Active ingredient CYANIDRIC ACID
Use FOOD, MEDICINAL
Despite being toxic when not properly processed, wild cassava is fundamental to the livelihood and identity of many indigenous peoples. Women play a central role in its preparation, especially in the flour houses , which function as spaces for coexistence and cultural preservation. In addition, its leaves are used in medicinal infusions, reinforcing the growing participation of indigenous women in practices previously associated with shamans.
References:
Borges Da Cruz, Roberto. "Uses and appropriations of manioc flour in the colonization of the state of Maranhão and Grão-Pará." Fronteras de la historia 18, no. 1 (February 12, 2013): 105–28. https://doi.org/10.22380/2027468848.
Rodrigues, Jaime. "'Of flour, blessed be God, we are doing very well for now': a history of manioc from an Atlantic perspective." Revista Brasileira de História 37 (September 11, 2017): 69–95. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-93472017v37n75-03.
All Matter. "Cassava Legend." https://www.todamateria.com.br/lenda-da-mandioca/.