Arrowroot

Arrowroot Overview

Maranta arundinacea is a rhizomatous perennial species in the arrowroot family, Marantaceae. This family is also commonly known as the prayer plant family. This species originates from the Amazon rainforest area of north-western Brazil and it is tender, coping with temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celcius. Foliage is lance-shaped and this species produces attractive, short-lived, white flowers. It has an upright habit and may be planted as a groundcover in appropriate climates, or grown in pots in colder environments. It produces fleshy, edible rhizomes up to 45cm in length, many other species in this genus are popular houseplants.