Arrowroot is a tropical plant known for its starchy rhizomes, which are widely used in cooking, medicine, and industrial applications. Scientifically known as Maranta arundinacea, this plant has been cultivated for centuries due to its easy digestibility and nutritional benefits.
Arrowroot is recognized by different names across cultures and regions. Understanding these alternative names can help consumers, farmers, and researchers identify this valuable plant in different contexts.
Scientific and Botanical Names of Arrowroot
1. Maranta Arundinacea
This is the scientific name of arrowroot and is commonly used in botanical references. It belongs to the Marantaceae family, which includes several plants known for their edible and medicinal roots.
2. West Indian Arrowroot
This name is widely used in the Caribbean and South America, where arrowroot has been cultivated for centuries. It distinguishes this species from other plants that produce similar starch.
3. True Arrowroot
The term true arrowroot” is used to differentiate Maranta arundinacea from other plants that are sometimes called arrowroot but belong to different botanical families.
Common Regional Names for Arrowroot
1. Araru (Brazil)
In Brazil, arrowroot is called “Araru” and is often used in traditional recipes and herbal medicine. The starch extracted from the plant is a key ingredient in digestive remedies and gluten-free baking.
2. Araruta (Portugal and Spanish-speaking countries)
The Portuguese and Spanish name “Araruta” is commonly used in Latin America, Portugal, and Spain. This term is frequently found in traditional medicine and culinary texts.
3. Gur-gum (India)
In parts of India, arrowroot is referred to as “Gur-gum” and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its cooling properties and digestive benefits.
4. Uraro (Philippines)
In the Philippines, arrowroot is called “Uraro” and is famous for its role in making Uraro cookies, a traditional delicacy. The plant is cultivated in warm, tropical climates.
5. Sago Powder (Some Asian Countries)
In certain Asian countries, arrowroot starch is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Sago Powder”, even though it is different from actual sago starch, which comes from the sago palm.
Alternative Names Based on Arrowroot Varieties
1. Chinese Arrowroot (Pueraria lobata)
Some plants, such as Pueraria lobata, are referred to as “Chinese Arrowroot”, though they are not botanically related to Maranta arundinacea. This name is commonly used for the kudzu plant, which has similar uses in traditional medicine.
2. Florida Arrowroot (Zamia integrifolia)
Another plant often confused with true arrowroot is Zamia integrifolia, known as “Florida Arrowroot.” This species was historically used by Native Americans to extract starch, but it belongs to a different botanical family.
3. Queensland Arrowroot (Canna indica)
In Australia, Canna indica is sometimes called “Queensland Arrowroot.” Although it also produces edible starch, it is a different plant from Maranta arundinacea.
Traditional and Indigenous Names for Arrowroot
1. Obedience Plant (Old English Name)
In historical English texts, arrowroot was sometimes called the “Obedience Plant.” This name is no longer widely used but was once associated with the plant’s mild medicinal effects.
2. Wabishi (Indigenous South American Tribes)
Certain Amazonian tribes refer to arrowroot as “Wabishi.” It has been used by indigenous communities for centuries as food and medicine.
3. Koonti (Native American Name for a Similar Plant)
In North America, the name “Koonti” is used for Zamia integrifolia, a plant that produces an arrowroot-like starch. Early Native American tribes used it as a food source.
Why Does Arrowroot Have So Many Different Names?
1. Cultural Differences
Each country or region has developed its own unique name for arrowroot based on local languages, traditions, and uses.
2. Botanical Confusion
Many unrelated plants produce edible starches, leading to mislabeling and shared names. This is why multiple species are sometimes grouped under the term “arrowroot.”
3. Culinary and Medicinal Uses
The widespread culinary and medicinal applications of arrowroot have contributed to its varied names across different cultures.
Uses of Arrowroot (Regardless of Its Name)
1. Food Industry
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Used to make gluten-free flour
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Commonly used in baby food and soups
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Popular in making biscuits and desserts
2. Traditional Medicine
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Helps with digestion and upset stomachs
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Used as a natural thickener for medicinal syrups
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Applied to skin irritations and burns
3. Industrial and Cosmetic Uses
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Found in natural deodorants and powders
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Used in textile starching
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Ingredient in some herbal skincare products
The arrowroot plant has many names across different countries and cultures. Whether it is called Araruta, Uraro, Gur-gum, or West Indian Arrowroot, it remains a valuable source of starch, nutrition, and medicine.
Despite some confusion with other starch-producing plants, Maranta arundinacea is still one of the most trusted and widely used natural thickeners in the world. Understanding its alternative names can help consumers recognize arrowroot-based products in global markets and traditional remedies.
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