DIGITAL GARDEN

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

MEDICINAL PLANT

Maranta arundinacea L.

Family: Marantaceae
Common Name: Arrow root
Vernacular Names: Tikhor (Hindi), Tavakshira (Sanskrit), Kuakilangu (Tamil) Koova (Malayalam)
Plant Description
Maranta arundinacea is a tropical perennial with attractive foliage that’s native to Brazil
Habit: Herb
Height: upto 5 ft
Rhizome: cylindrical fleshy tubers that can go deeper in the soil, white or reddish in color and can be 5–40 cm long and 2–5 cm wide.
Stem: slender and bears one large leaf at its end.
Leaves: large ovate and oblong, mid-green and have a prominent midrib and many parallel veins.
Flowers: small, white in colour, and borne in panicles
Uses
• Food: Arrowroot is a thickening agent and gelling agent in foods like sauces, puddings, jellies, cookies, and cakes. It can also be used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. Arrowroot is also used to make crispy pan-fried foods, such as General Tso’s chicken, french fries, and tofu.
• Medicine: Arrowroot is sometimes used to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), painful gums, and other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
• Cosmetics: Arrowroot powder can be used as a dry shampoo, deodorant ingredient, or talcum powder substitute. It can also be used in makeup, facial care, body care, and hair care.
• Packaging: It can be used to make edible and biodegradable films and food packaging.
• Textiles: This plant can be used in textiles.
• Biofuel: Arrowroot can be used to make biofuel.
• Pulp and paper making: Arrowroot can be used in pulp and paper making.