Rouroute - Arrow root

Other popular names:
Rouroute; Arouroute; in the West Indies, Dictame, Dictame-Barbados,
Mustache-Barbados, The white reverse; in Martinique, Toloman.

Scientific name:
Maranta arundinacea.

Translation :
Arundinacea = similar to the reed; from the English arrow = arrow and
root = root; Maranta = dedication to the Venetian botanist Maranti.

Family :
Marantaceae.

Nature :
Herbaceous plant.

Description :
Perennial herb, the aerial part of which has developed leaves that resemble Turmeric (Curcuma longa), but which are less elongated. Its creeping rhizome or underground stem, rich in starch, is covered with small scales that leave spots in concentric circles; it looks like a large white worm.

Presence on the island:
Acclimatized.

Location :
In gardens (cultivated only).

Flowering period:
When it has rained enough!

Parts used:
Leaves, rhizomes from which arrowroot starch is extracted.

Harvest period:
Before flowering.

Plantation:
From initial rhizomes, all year round.

Use :
A medicinal plant.

Traditional uses:
- For its “refreshing” action (i.e. anti-inflammatory). Internally (herbal tea from the whole plant).
- Against nausea, for its anti-emetic (antivomitic) properties. Internally (herbal tea of leaves and rhizomes).
- Against skin inflammations (heating, skin irritations, eczema, etc.), for its soothing and healing properties. Externally (poultices, compresses, etc.).
- Against diarrhea, colic, dysentery. Internally (decoction of rhizomes, accompanied by “heated rice” or reheated rice from the day before).
- Among American Indians, to heal wounds caused by poisoned arrows and scorpion and spider bites. Externally (poultices).

Contraindications:
None, given its prescription in infants.

Other uses:
Widely used in the field of dietetics, for its energy value (it is composed of 80% slow sugars) and because it is very digestible, especially for infants and the elderly. In cooking, it is used as a thickening agent, for example as a binder for sauces or as a light starch in baking and pastry making. In Reunion Island, Arrowroot candies are appreciated by children and adults alike... It is particularly recommended in infant nutrition since it is digestible, gluten-free, and can be used as a milk thickener. It is recognized in the field of aesthetics for its cosmetic properties, and can be used as an ingredient in makeup and beauty creams. It has recently been used as a biodegradable plastic material, like potato or corn starch.

- Image and content sources: book Plants and People