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Araceae

The Araceae family consists of a diverse group of monocotyledonous plants, encompassing numerous species of significant agricultural importance, most notably taro (Colocasia esculenta). These plants are typically herbaceous perennials that have evolved to thrive in tropical and subtropical environments. Within the context of world agriculture, they serve as essential staple foods providing high-energy carbohydrates.

Main sections

Cryptocoryne22 Biarum13 Homalomena10 Caladium5 Arisarum4 Bucephalandra3 Caladium3 Colocasia3 Culcasia3 Dieffenbachia3 Dieffenbachia3 Dracontium3 Dracunculus3 Eminium2 Epipremnum2 Callopsis1 Cercestis1 Colocasia1 Cryptocoryne1 Cyrtosperma1
194 sections

What the section contains

Arisaema utile Arisaema utile Arisarum Arisarum 4 items Arum Arum Arum apulum Arum apulum Arum concinnatum Arum concinnatum Arum creticum Arum creticum Arum cylindraceum Arum cylindraceum Arum cyrenaicum Arum cyrenaicum Arum dioscoridis Arum dioscoridis Arum elongatum Arum elongatum Arum hybrids Arum hybrids Arum hygrophilum Arum hygrophilum Arum idaeum Arum idaeum Arum nigrum Arum nigrum Arum pictum Arum pictum Arum purpureospathum Arum purpureospathum Arum rupicola Arum rupicola Asian skunk cabbage Lysichiton camtschatcensis Biarum Biarum 13 items Bog arum Calla Bucephalandra Bucephalandra 3 items Caladium Caladium Vent. 3 items Caladium Caladium 5 items Calla palustris Calla palustris Callopsis Callopsis 1 item Cercestis Cercestis 1 item Colocasia Colocasia x Leucocasia 1 item Colocasia Colocasia 3 items Cryptocoryne Cryptocoryne Fisch. ex Wydler 1 item Cryptocoryne Cryptocoryne 22 items Cuckoo pint Arum maculatum Culcasia Culcasia 3 items Cyrtosperma Cyrtosperma 1 item Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia Schott 3 items Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia 3 items Dracontium Dracontium 3 items Dracunculus Dracunculus 3 items Duckweed Lemna L. 1 item Eastern Cuckoo-pint Arum orientale Eminium Eminium 2 items Englerarum Englerarum 1 item Epipremnum Epipremnum 2 items Epipremnum Epipremnum hybrids Epipremnum amplissimum Epipremnum amplissimum Epipremnum giganteum Epipremnum giganteum Giant duckweed Spirodela Schleid. 1 item Giant Leucocasia Leucocasia Golden club Orontium 1 item Gonatanthus Gonatanthus 1 item Gonatopus Gonatopus 1 item Green dragon Arisaema dracontium Gymnostachys Gymnostachys 1 item Hapaline Hapaline 1 item Helicodiceros Helicodiceros 1 item Homalomena Homalomena Schott 1 item Homalomena Homalomena 10 items Italian arum Arum italicum Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema heterophyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit (Cobra lily) Arisaema ringens

Araceae

The original range of the family is predominantly concentrated in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. These crops are currently cultivated across a vast global belt wherever environmental conditions provide high humidity and warmth. Their adaptation to specific ecological niches has made them highly suitable for small-scale farming as well as intensive industrial production in equatorial climates.

From a botanical perspective, Araceae are defined by their unique inflorescence known as a spadix, which is partially or fully enveloped by a leaf-like bract called a spathe. Their reproductive and storage organs are often modified into thickened tubers, corms, or rhizomes. These underground structures are not only vital for the plant's survival but are also the primary economic components harvested for human consumption and industrial starch production.

Agronomic requirements for Araceae focus on soil management and climate regulation. These plants perform best in fertile, well-draining loamy soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Consistent moisture is mandatory; however, waterlogging must be avoided to prevent root degradation. Effective field management involves canopy control, periodic weeding, and strategic fertilization to maximize starch accumulation in the tubers.

The хозяйственное use of Araceae is vast, ranging from culinary applications, where tubers are processed to remove calcium oxalate crystals, to starch extraction for various industrial purposes. Common pests and diseases affecting these crops include root rot caused by Phytophthora species and damage from various aphids or nematodes. Managing these threats requires a robust integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, focusing on crop rotation and the selection of disease-resistant germplasm.