Tag: Yucca vs yuca

A common point of confusion arises because the name "yucca" is often mistaken for "yuca," the edible cassava root. So, is it safe to eat the root of a yucca plant? The answer depends entirely on which plant you mean, as one is ornamental and potentially toxic, while the other is a tropical staple food.

An estimated 800 million people worldwide consume the starchy root known as yuca, or cassava, but confusion with the unrelated ornamental yucca plant can lead to health issues. Understanding what are the side effects of eating yucca plants is crucial, as some parts contain toxic compounds that can cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.