Scientific name of Indian arrowroot is Curcuma caulina. Synonym is Hitchenia caulina. It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant belonging to ginger family i.e. Zingiberaceae. It is also known as arrowroot lily. In Hindi language it is called tikhur. The plant grows up to a height of 50 cm to 1 meter upon full growth. The plant has perennial rhizomes with numerous hanging tubers. The rhizomes are used for extracting edible starch.
Origin and Distribution: Indian arrowroot is believed to be a native of South-Western deciduous forests of India, more precisely speaking the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and surrounding regions. In Marathi language, it is called chavar. Indian arrowroot is found wildly growing along the moist forests of Western Ghats. In some parts of South India, Indian arrowroot is commercially cultivated as a root crop just like ginger and turmeric for extracting arrowroot powder. Arrowroot powder is believed to have numerous medicinal properties. Arrowroot powder is also used to make edible starch and arrowroot biscuits.
Economic Importance: Indian arrowroot is mainly grown for its rhizomatous tubers which have both food and medicinal uses. Tubers, which are actually modified rhizomes, are rich source of starch. Tubers are just like turmeric and ginger tubers in appearance but with white flesh. Commercially important arrowroot powder is prepared from dried tubers of Indian arrowroot. Arrowroot powder is extensively used in Indian traditional medicines. The plant may be planted in high rainfall areas along the sides of rivers and irrigation canals to prevent soil erosion.
Actually the word, “Arrowroot” is really confusing. Indian arrow root should not be confused with Maranta arundinacea, which is also known as ‘arrowroot plant’ because of its starchy tubers. In fact, Maranta arundinacea is known as “True Arrowroot” or “West Indian Arrowroot”. Sometimes it is simply known as “Maranta” and tubers of which are also used in the preparation of arrowroot powder. Another close relative of “Indian Arrowroot” is “East Indian Arrowroot” plant or Curcuma aungustifolia which is recognized as a medicinal herb.
Extraction of Arrowroot Powder: Freshly harvested tubers are transported to the pack houses where they are washed before cleaning them by removing all adhering fibrous roots and small tubers. Cleaned tubers are then grated to obtain white coloured pulp which is again washed thoroughly before sieving process. Sieved pulp is again washed and kept for hours for the starch to settle out. The starch is extracted and dried and packed for further use.
Botanical Description: Indian arrowroot plant is an herbaceous perennial plant growing from an underground rhizome with a height of 50 cm to 1m. The plant is erect-growing with unbranched leafy stems. Leaves are oblong lanceolate in shape which reach up to 50 cm in length on full growth. Yellowish or pinkish white or greenish white flowers are borne on a spike which is 10-15 cm in length. Flowers are attractive, and highly ornamental in appearance. Flowering time is July to October in tropics.
Growing Practices for Indian Arrowroot: It is very easy to grow these plants. A detailed account of growing practices for Indian arrowroot is given below:
Climate: Indian arrowroot is a plant of hot tropics with a preference for moist to wet areas. Just like ginger and turmeric, Indian arrowroot also likes moist, shady places for its growth. It cannot stand direct scorching sunlight, frost, very low temperatures, waterlogged soil and strong winds. The plant grows well in high rainfall areas with the mean annual rainfall is more than 5,000mm.
Soil: Well-drained, rich and moist soil with plenty of organic matter is the most ideal soil for the cultivation of Indian arrowroot.
Light: Indian arrowroot prefers filtered sunlight and hence grows well in partially shaded locations.
Propagation: Propagation is mainly through cuttings of the rhizomes.
Planting Time: Indian arrowroot is planted at the onset of monsoon.
Harvesting Time: For commercial cultivation, Indian arrowroot plants are cultivated as biennials where first year vegetative growth is promoted and in the second year tubers are harvested when they are 20-24 months old.
Harvesting: Harvesting is done when the leaves and stalks have completely withered.
Yield: Yield varies depending on soil fertility, cultural practices and prevailing climatic conditions.
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