Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 7

arrowroot

A type of starch obtained from the tuberous roots of several plants. The most important is probably West Indian arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea), a rhizomatous perennial growing to 2 m/6½ ft; leaves with sheathing bases; sepals and petals in threes; native to South America, and cultivated in New World tropics for edible starch. East Indian arrowroot is obtained from Curcuma angustifolia, a relative of ginger, and from Tacca pinnatifida. Queensland arrowroot is from a species of canna, Canna edulis. Portland arrowroot, inedible and formerly used for laundry, was obtained from lords-and-ladies (Arum maculatum).

iArrowroot

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Subclass: Zingiberidae
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Marantaceae
Genus: Maranta
Species: M. arundinacea
Binomial name
Maranta arundinacea
L.

Arrowroot, or obedience plant, (Maranta arundinacea) is a large perennial herb of genus Maranta found in rainforest habitats.

Arrowroot is used as an article of diet in the form of biscuits, puddings, jellies, cakes, etc., and also with beef tea, milk or veal broth, noodles in Korean cuisine, or boiled with a little flavoring added, as an easily digestible food for children and people with dietary restrictions.

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