Pulaka

The Saga of Pulaka

1 min read

Profile & Early Foundations

Pulaka, Cyrtosperma merkusii, or swamp taro, is a crop grown mainly in Tuvalu and an important source of carbohydrates for the area's inhabitants. It is a "swamp crop" similar to taro, but "with bigger leaves and larger, coarser roots." The same plant is known as pulaka in Niue, babai in Kiribati, puraka in Cook Islands, pula’a in Samoa, via, via kana or via kau in Fiji, pulaka in Tokelau, simiden in Chuuk, swam taro in Papua New Guinea, and navia in Vanuatu.

THE JOURNEY & BREAKTHROUGHS

Major Works & Significant Milestones

Pulaka roots need to be cooked for hours to reduce toxicity in the corms, but are rich in nutrients, especially calcium.

Key Milestone & Career Defining Moment

Pulaka, Cyrtosperma merkusii, or swamp taro, is a crop grown mainly in Tuvalu and an important source of carbohydrates for the area's inhabitants.

— Official Historical Record & Archive

SUCCESS & ENDURING LEGACY

Honours, Standing & Enduring Legacy

Pulaka is an important part of Tuvalu cultural and culinary tradition, now under threat from rising sea level and displacement from the growing use of imported food products.

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Profile & Early Foundations

Major Works & Significant Milestones

Honours, Standing & Enduring Legacy

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