Arrowroot

Maranta arundinacea, commonly known as Arrowroot, is a beautiful herbal ally to grow here in sunny Central Florida. It loves our tropical weather and thrives in humid environments. The rhizomes of this plant have been used across the world as a thickening agent in foods and medicines as well as a carrier powder for pigments in makeups.

The common name, Arrowroot, comes from the long history of the rhizomes being used as an antidotal poultice for poison arrows in the jungles of South America! This nourishing herb can be really helpful with upset stomachs, sunburns, and even wounds.

Margaret Grieve of A Modern Herbal has a great materia medica on the amazing properties of Arrowroot. This is one you’ll definitely want to feature in your gardens this year.