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Some Characteristics of Sagu ( Canna edulis Kerr) and Zulu ( Maranta sp.) Rhizomes

1997; American Chemical Society; Volume: 45; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1021/jf960680i

1520-5118

Elevina Pérez, Mary Lares, Zurima González,

African Botany and Ecology Studies

In this study a comparison between the chemical composition and physical characteristics of sagu (Canna edulis Kerr) and zulu (Maranta sp.) rhizomes was made. The rheological properties and morphometric characteristics of starches isolated from both modified underground stems were also compared. Sagu rhizomes are bigger than those of zulu. Their external appearance resembles that of yam. The zulu rhizomes yield larger quantities of edible pulps because of the lower percent of peel. The results of the chemical composition analysis show that sagu rhizomes have more total carbohydrate content and less crude proteins, fat, and fiber than zulu rhizomes. Keywords: Sagu rhizomes; zulu rhizomes; Canna rhizomes; Maranta rhizomes; starch; SEM observation