Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corms, the root vegetables most commonly known as taro. It is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated plants.

The corms/roots can be dried and used to make flour or sliced and fried to make chips. The leaves of the plant are also edible and are usually consumed as a vegetable after cooking in dishes such as stews, pounded or simply blended and serenaded .

Both the Root and Leaves Can Do Wonders for Your Health. Taro root's benefits come from its rich source of nutrients, which include magnesium, iron, fiber, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and phosphorus. It contains good amounts of antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, B6, C and E.