Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) Maranta arundinacea
Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) (Maranta arundinacea) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Marantaceae family, native to Tropical Central and South America and the Caribbean. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Marantaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: rhizomes (starch) |
| Native to | Tropical Central and South America and the Caribbean |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the starch is a classic easily digested food.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot)
- How far apart should I plant Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) flower?
- From about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the starch is a classic easily digested food.
- What grows well with Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Arrowroot (West Indian arrowroot). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
Notes and assumptions
- White, scaly rhizomes are grated and washed to give a fine starch; St Vincent was long the main exporter. Harvest when the leaves yellow, about 10 months after planting.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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