Back
Maranta arundinacea L.
Family Name: | Marantaceae |
Common Name: | Arrowroot, West Indian Arrowroot, 竹芋 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
---|---|
Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Central and South America |
---|---|
Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | It is an erect perennial plant growing about 0.5-1 m tall. |
---|---|
Roots | Its rhizomes are cylindrical and fleshy, usually whitish colored. |
Foliage | Leaves are bright green and elongated with pointed tips. |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Storage Organs Others: The underground rhizomes are made into flour. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
---|---|
Landscape Uses | General, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting, Parks & Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
---|---|
Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Propagation Method | Storage Organ |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
---|
Non - Foliar and Storage
Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Underground (Rhizome) |
---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | White |
---|
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 29777 |
---|---|
Species ID | 4086 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |