Definition

Noun: * A plant species: Maranta arundinaceae is the scientific name for a tropical, herbaceous plant native to the West Indies and other parts of the Americas. It is cultivated for its edible rhizomes (underground stems), which are processed to produce arrowroot starch.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer cultivated a field of Maranta arundinaceae for starch production.
  • Arrowroot powder, a fine, easily digestible starch, is derived from the roots of Maranta arundinaceae.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or agricultural contexts: The term is used precisely to identify the specific plant species, distinguishing it from other plants also sometimes called "arrowroot."
  • The study focused on the optimal growing conditions for Maranta arundinaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Arrowroot: The common name for , or more generally, for the starch produced from it.
  • She used arrowroot to thicken the sauce.
• Maranta: The genus name to which this plant belongs, which includes other species often grown as ornamental houseplants.
  • The prayer plant is a popular type of Maranta.

Synonyms

• Arrowroot plant: The most common synonym in general usage.
• Maranta: Used in a broader botanical sense.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning refers to the living plant itself. Its economic and culinary importance is derived from its rhizomes.
• It is important to note that the common name "arrowroot" is sometimes applied to starches from other plant species (e.g., Florida arrowroot from ), but is considered the true or West Indian arrowroot.

Noun

1. white-flowered West Indian plant whose root yields arrowroot starch