Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) Schott [Syn: Colocasia macrorrhiza] (STHULA KANDA)

Sthula kanda and Manaka are not mentioned by Caraka, Sushruta and Vagbhata. But, madanapala nighantu described two varieties viz., sthulakanda and manakanda.  The author identifies them as Alocacia macrorrhizos(L.) Schott and Alocacia indica Schott respectively.  Bhavamisra quoted manaka alone. Manaka is claimed to possess almost all the properties of Surana.

Botancial Description (A. macrorrhizos) – Herbaceous plant with large heart-shaped leaves up to 1.5 m long that contain a milky juice. Growing up to 6-8 feet in warm areas (up to 10′ in tropical climates). Leaves – Enormous green heart-shaped leaves that point upward.  Its root looks like ginseng, and it is well-known domestically as the root of China. The wild variety has a pungent taste caused by oxalate crystals which also cause the mouth to itch. Cultivated forms do not have this property, and the leaves, stalks and black rhizome can be fed to animals.