ABSTRACT
The true arrowroot is a tropical American perennial herb, growing to 2 m (6½ ft.) in height. Flat, long, large, pointed leaves are attached to the upright stems, giving the plants the appearance of an ornamental canna. Arrowroot starch is extracted from the rhizomes (underground stems). The species is indigenous to the West Indies and is grown in tropical countries, especially on the island of St. Vincent, as well as other areas of the Caribbean, Brazil, Thailand, and West Africa. Occasionally arrowroot is grown as an ornamental, and variegated garden forms are available.
