More than one taioba: morpho-anatomical differentiation of araceae species sold under a single vernacular name and their relevance for food quality and identification

Abstract In Brazil, the vernacular name taioba refers to several unconventional food plants of the Araceae family, which complicates accurate identification and may pose risks to consumer safety. This study investigated the morphological and anatomical characteristics of species sold under this name in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. We identified Xanthosoma taioba , Leucocasia gigantea , Colocasia esculenta , and Alocasia macrorrhizos in different horticultural sites, with X. taioba being the culturally recognized edible reference (true taioba ) in Brazil, and the first two species being more frequently sold as edible leafy vegetables.. Therefore, X. taioba and L. gigantea were selected for detailed anatomical analysis including transverse sections of the petiole, leaf blade, and midvein using light and scanning electron microscopy. Xanthosoma taioba has a higher abundance of idioblasts containing raphides and druses, and a palisade-like mesophyll arrangement, whereas L. gigantea has fewer idioblasts. These morphoanatomical characters provide effective, low-cost tools for species differentiation, especially when reproductive structures are absent. Accurate identification is essential to ensure food safety and preserve the nutritional quality of X. taioba .