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Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) Xanthosoma sagittifolium

Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Araceae family, native to Tropical America (Caribbean and northern South America). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.

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Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) at a glance

TypePerennial vegetable, evergreen
FamilyAraceae
Mature height1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft)
Mature spread1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft)
Spacing1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre
SunPart sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day
WaterHigh; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low
Soil pH5.5–6.5
Cold hardinessAbout 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11)
Heat stressLikely above about 36 °C (97 °F)
Floweringfrom about July for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueNone
EdibleYes: cormels (cooked), young leaves (cooked)
Native toTropical America (Caribbean and northern South America)
Common in gardens of🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇽 Mexico

Is Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) toxic?

Raw corms and leaves hold needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth; they are eaten only well cooked. Aroids of this kind are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam)

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.

Questions about Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam)

How far apart should I plant Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam)?
About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
Does Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) need full sun?
Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) need?
High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
How cold-hardy is Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam)?
It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
When does Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) flower?
From about July for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw corms and leaves hold needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth; they are eaten only well cooked. Aroids of this kind are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs.
What grows well with Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam)?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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