The "Mapping Genetic Diversity" was an international research project supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS Kakenhi No. 17H04614). Project period: 1st April 2017 - 31st March 2021.

Taro ( Colocasia esculenta ) is an ancient root and vegetable crop of temperate and tropical regions of Africa, Eurasia, and Oceania. In recent centuries it also reached the Americas. We are attempting to learn more about the natural and cultural history of this crop, in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The application for JSPS funding was submitted in October 2016, and accepted in April 2017. These were public funds administered through the National Museum of Ethnology, Japan, under the direction of the project leader, Dr Peter J. Matthews.

See Matthews profile and publications list at the Museum website.

Publications related to this project can be found here: Researchgate profile .

Further publications are planned and will be announced here when published.

Links to related publications  by other project members can be added to the Project website, as time permits (e.g. on cultivated taro, or aroid taxonomy). A Wild Taro Working Group will also be developed here.

C. formosana , vic. Mt Polis, Philippines

(PJM, 22nd Nov. 2011)