Maranta arundinacea

plant

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June 30, 2026

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Maranta arundinacea, commonly known as arrowroot, is a plant from which an edible starch is extracted from its rhizomes, or rootstocks. The most frequently used species is M. arundinacea, which is native to Guyana and western Brazil and is cultivated in various tropical regions. This herbaceous perennial has fleshy tubers that are harvested for their starch content.1

The arrowroot starch is easily digestible and contains minimal protein and no vitamins. It is used in cooking as a thickener for various dishes and is particularly suitable for egg-based preparations like custards due to its fine texture and ability to cook quickly. The name "arrowroot" is also sometimes applied to starches from other plants, such as Canna coccinea (tous-les-mois), Curcuma species (East India arrowroot), Manihot esculenta (Brazilian arrowroot, source of tapioca), and Tacca pinnatifida (Tacca or Otaheite arrowroot).1

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arrowroot
…several species of the genus Maranta, members of the family Marantaceae, the rhizomes, or rootstocks, of which yield an edible starch. The most commonly used species is M. arundinacea, the source of genuine, or West Indies, arrowroot. This herbaceous perennial, a native of Guyana and western Brazil, is cultivated throughout…
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…several species of the genus Maranta, members of the family Marantaceae, the rhizomes, or rootstocks, of which yield an edible starch. The most commonly used species is M. arundinacea, the source of genuine, or West Indies, arrowroot. This herbaceous perennial, a native of Guyana and western Brazil, is cultivated throughout…
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Marantaceae
Major genera and species
…of some species, such as Maranta arundinacea, furnish the starch known as arrowroot. Other members of the family are popular ornamentals, such as the prayer plant (M. leuconeura).
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…of some species, such as Maranta arundinacea, furnish the starch known as arrowroot. Other members of the family are popular ornamentals, such as the prayer plant (M. leuconeura).
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