Taro, colocasia esculenta: Native to tropical Asia, the taro tube has been cultivated for millennia in many warm regions of the globe.

It is an important ingredient in the staple diet of oceanic, African and Asian populations: Hawaiians cultivate over 100 varieties and one of these, called poï is their favorite food.

Taro can be toxic due to the high content of oxalate crystals which can cause irritation to the mucous membranes; it is necessary to avoid contact with the eyes and cook it.