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Image of Manihot carghaginensis or Tapioca Tree or Cassava or Manioc or Yuca

Family:  Euphorbiaceae
Range:  Mexico
Light:  Full sun, sun-part shade, light shade
Height:  Up to 8' 
Spread:  4-6' or larger'
Blooms:  Clusters of orange and pale yellow flowers from late Spring to Fall
Foliage:  Smooth-textured, deeply-lobed, deciduous
Soil:  Well-drained, drought tolerant, , mildly acidic-neutral (pH: 6.1-7.5)
Water:  Regular
Propagation: Seeds, softwood cuttings, layering 
Uses:  Specimen, accent, landscaping,  container
Caution:  All parts of plant contain hydrocyanic glucosides (HCN)
Comments:  Manihot carthaginensis or Tapioca Tree or Cassava or Manioc or Yuca  is a beautiful tropical shrub that self sows freely.  Deadhead to prevent volunteer plants next season. Tapioca Tree is a carefree, frost tolerant and fast growing shrub. Protect plant from cold wind. In zone 8b, Cassava drops all its leaves in Winter and returns in Spring with new growth. There are two types of edible tapioca; one is bitter while the other is sweet.  The tubers are very starchy.  Care must be taken to remove the cynide compounds in the leaves and tubers of Manioc before they can be consumed.  Always remember to peel off the skin of the tubers, wash them first before you cook them.  I have sampled several simple and delicious dishes made from the tubers of the sweet variety - a pudding, steamed tapioca paste with coconut, fried tapoca chips and a tapioca root vegetable dish.  
USDA Hardiness Zones :  8-11