Malanga

There is also a Malanga in Gabon, see Malanga, Gabon

Malanga (Xanthosoma Species), also known as coco, cocoyam, tannia, tannier, yautia, and other names, is a root vegetable from the arum lily family, similar to taro. A native of the Americas, where they are especially popular in Cuba and Puerto Rico, it is also grown in Africa and the Philippines.

Malanga is highly hypoallergenic, due to the small size of the starch molecules. It has more flavor than most other starchy tropical tubers, and its taste is earthy and has been described as more like nuts than potatoes. The starchy corm (or compressed underground stem) is a common ingredient in soups and stews. The leaves are also known as calaloo, and are used in the soup of that name.