Taro, for example, is a TUBER and ROOT vegetable that is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. It is a starchy, tuberous crop from the Araceae family and is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. It is an important food source in many parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The edible part of the plant is the corm, which is a thick underground stem. The corm can be boiled, steamed, or roasted and is often used in soups, stews, and curries. Taro is also used to make flour, chips, and other snacks.