Maranta arundinacea L.

 

Family: Marantaceae

Synonym: Maranta arundinacea f. sylvestris Matuda 

Vernacular name: Koovva, Kochikuva

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Moist floors of evergreen or deciduous forests, often in clearings where light levels are relatively high

Distribution:  Native to Mexico, Central and South America, that has been introduced and cultivated

Flowering and Fruiting: November-April

Key identification features: It is perennial herb with thickened, tuberous rhizomes. The leaves are arranged in two types: basal leaves and cauline leaves. In cauline leaves, the petiole is often absent.. Basal leaves are the largest. Flowers have a white corolla with a curved tube, and white staminodes. The fruits are green or tinged with red-brown.

Uses: Tuberous rhizomes are source of arrowroot, eaten cooked or raw.