herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout the tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves
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tropical starchy tuberous root
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Dasheen \Dash`een"\ (d[a^]sh`[=e]n"), n. 1. A tropical aroid (of the genus {Caladium}, syn. {Colocasia}) having an edible farinaceous root. It is related to the taro and to the tanier, but is much superior to it in quality and is as easily cooked as the potato. It is a staple food plant of the tropics, being prepared like potatoes, and has been introduced into the Southern United States. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. a herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout the tropics for its edible root and in temperate areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves.