What is kachu in english?
The species Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott is known by the common name Kachu in Bengali and Hindi.
The species Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott is known by the common name Kachu in Sanskrit.
- Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott
Colocasia esculenta (commonly known as taro) is a plant which was probably native to Malaysia. It is cultivated mainly as a root vegetable thanks to its edible corms. Its leaves, stem, and flowers are also consumed. The plant is however toxic in raw form and needs to be cooked to reduce the effects of the calcium oxalate within it.
In English, Kachu (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is known by Cocoyam, Dasheen, Eddoe, or Taro.
- Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott
Cyrtosperma merkusii or the Giant Swamp Taro is a large herbaceous perennial cultivated for its corms (underground root-like stem) particularly in swampy regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Its fruits are berries. Its petioles are used for making mats and baskets. Most consider Cyrtosperma chamissonis (Schott) Merr. to be synonymous with Cyrtosperma merkusii while others still consider it a close relative. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.
In English, Kachu (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott) is known by Gallan or Giant swamp taro.
- You don't have to cut a tree down to get at the fruit.
- —Cambodian proverb