SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF SAGU (CANNA-EDULIS KERR) AND ZULU (MARANTA SP) RHIZOMES

In this study a comparison between the chemical composition and physic al characteristics of sagu (Canna edulis Kerr) and zulu (Maranta sp.) rhizomes was made. The rheological properties and morphometric charact eristics of starches isolated from both modified underground stems wer e also compared. Sagu rhizomes are bigger than those of zulu. Their ex ternal appearance resembles that of yam. The zulu rhizomes yield large r 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.