Description
This aquatic plant has arrow-shaped leaves and root tubers similar to potato. It has white flowers and three-pointed leaves that are shaped like arrowheads. In the Sagittaria species, the leaves have several thick veins starting from the stem to the sides and tips. This palmate venation is crucial in distinguishing it from the lookalike toxic Arrow arum plants (Peltandra virginica).
Where To Find
The arrowroot plant is found in wet habitats (marshes, rivers, ponds and lakes) all over the world in temperate and tropical regions.
What And How To Eat
The edible part is the starchy tuber and can be eaten all year. To harvest, free the tubers from the mud and tear them from the roots. To prepare tubers, peel the bitter outer skin then boil like a potato.
Medicinal Use
It is an easily digested meal for convalescents and its soothing properties are good for bowel complains. The mashed roots can be applied to gangrene and wounds from black spider bites or scorpion bites.