Who knows about Hardy Tapioca?

[PondmaninAL]

One of the young women who came to pick up plants brought me some seeds for hardy tapioca. She told me that the seed pods explode when ripe. Does anybody else have these?

Scott

[MikeW]

If the plants are attractive, then this is the second "food crop" I would plan on. I love tapioca. I'll follow this thread with interest.

Imagine bragging at a dinner party that you grew the dessert in your garden.

Cheers,

Mike

[Mikey]

Manihot grahamii is often referred to as "hardy tapioca".  This is the shrub/tree that Jerry has posted photos of.  Manihot grahamii is not the plant from which we get cassava, the starchy roots from which we get tapioca.  The shrub that is grown commercially for tapioca is Manihot esculenta.

[MikeW]

Then I have two of them already - gifts from Jerry. Very interesting looking leaves - seen nothing that looks like a seed pod yet though.

Seems I will have to resort to growing rhubarb in order to grow dessert.

Cheers,

Mike

[miguynmkoi]

MikeW you must have a fruit tree in your yard!?!  I have a bumper crop of Babcock peaches from a tree I almost cut down last winter because it wasn't producing.  Peach Cobbler anyone?!  Peaches in everything, every breakfast, lunch and supper.  Even for snack! 

Fuji apples are growing bigger everyday.

How's about citrus trees?  Ya gotta have one of those?!

[MikeW]

Pears and lemons - but funilly enough I never thought of using the fruit. It is the shade and decorative aspects that I always think of, but duh!

Thanks Annette - I see pear brandy, and garnishes in my future.

Cheers,

Mike

[miguynmkoi]

  That's ok Mike.  I often see more possibilities and wonderful plants in someone else's yard!

I often garnish dinners with cut flowers from my own garden.  I can see beautiful flower bouquets from your garden. 

[Jerry]

I have many Manihots and lots of pods.  I have not seen any explosions, but lots of volunteers.
See pods and an an amazing leaf.

[PondmaninAL]

The woman that gave me these seeds told me that they make a popping sound when they open. Of course she is blonde and beautiful, so I'll believe anything she says.

Scott

[Jerry]

She may be right.  When a tree falls in the forest.............................................