Graham's Cassava (Manihot grahamii)

Graham's Cassava

Manihot grahamii

Its palmate leaves add architectural texture to arid gardens. Deciduous succulent shrub; common name: Graham's cassava.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense arid sunlight, but provide partial shade during extreme summer heatwaves
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in succulent stems
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Temperature Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; thrives in warm, arid conditions with low humidity
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Palmate, deeply lobed leaves with 5–7 pointed lobes; blue-green, fleshy texture
  • Flower: Small, greenish-yellow, clustered in terminal racemes
  • Stem: Thick, succulent grayish-brown stems with peeling bark as it matures
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Care Guide

Watering

Water thoroughly when soil is fully dry; reduce frequency during prolonged heatwaves

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 months. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of stem succulence

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush clean, fully dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to add calcium without altering soil pH
Pruning
  • Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring to encourage new growth
  • Thin crowded branches to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
  • Trim to maintain desired shape; avoid heavy pruning of mature succulent stems to prevent stress
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-aligned: Toxic due to cyanogenic glycosides; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and respiratory distress

Humans: Contains cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion may cause abdominal pain, nausea, or cyanide poisoning in large doses

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental xeriscaping; traditional medicinal uses in some native regions