ABSTRACT

Arrowroot is indigenous to tropical America and is widely distributed among the tropical countries, where it is distributed in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Australia. Arrowroot is an erect herbaceous tropical perennial plant belonging to Marantaceae family. Arrowroot is a good source of carbohydrates and supplies a variety of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and a fair source of zinc, iron, thiamine and riboflavin. Arrowroot rhizomes are consumed fresh after boiling, roasting or making flour, which is used as stabiliser in ice creams and thickener in soups, desserts, cakes, jellies and acidic food, such as Asian sweet and sour sauces. Arrowroot rhizomes are used to treat wounds and ulcers. The arrowroot inflorescence is terminal bearing with stalked white flowers that are entomophilous in nature. The Creole and Banana type cultivars are commonly grown in India. The seed rate usually depends on variety, corm size, soil fertility, irrigation facilities and growing season.