Taro

Taro original: 芋, yù; Colocasia esculenta is listed in the Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians original: 別錄, Biélù as a "middle-rank" substance. The varieties of taro are extremely numerous, and they differ significantly in both size and shape. In Hunan, there is a variety that produces flowers; these have a single petal and a single stamen, measuring three to four inches in length and possessing a yellow hue. Wild taro likely Alocasia odora or similar toxic Araceae is poisonous to humans and is found frequently in mountain ranges.

In the regions of Lingnan Southern China, Yunnan, and Sichuan, the names for taro are particularly diverse. According to the Nanning Prefecture Gazette, those suited for dry land are called Big Taro original: 大芋, dàyù, while those suited for damp earth are called Noodle Taro original: 麵芋, miànyù; referring to its starchy texture. Other varieties include the Dry Taro, Dog-claw Taro, Water Taro, and Pu Taro.

According to the Mengzi County Gazette, there are varieties known as Palm Taro, White Taro, and Hemp Taro. The Huitong County Gazette lists the Winter Taro, Water-Li Taro, Red-mouth Taro, Bullet Taro, Ginger Taro, and the Large-head Wind Taro. The Qiongshan County Gazette records the Mother-Hen Taro and the Eastern Taro. The Shicheng County Gazette lists the Green Bamboo Taro, Yellow Taro, and Foreign Taro. Finally, the Ruian County Gazette mentions the Child Taro and the Noodle Taro. These varieties are so numerous they can hardly be counted in full.

In the Treatise on the Surveyor and Weights and Measures original: 虞衡志, Yúhéng Zhì by Pu Hai, it is claimed that the taro of Yunnan is the greatest in the world, though this may not be entirely accurate. Shen Pu remarked that Yunnan taro matures early and has a delicious flavor; its stalks can be used to prepare a fine soup. Su Yuju The famous Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, also known as Su Dongpo, in his poem Ode to the Jade-Grain Porridge original: 玉糝羹, yùsǎn gēng, praised it by saying its fragrance was "like ambergris" and its taste "like cow's milk." Shangu The poet Huang Tingjian also composed verses in its honor.