Arrowroot is a tropical herb grown for its tuber.

Arrowroot is native to South America.

Major Arrowroot growing countries in the world are USA, Brazil, Philippines, India, Srilanka, Indonesia, China, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. 

Major arrowroot growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala. 

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class:  Liliopsida
• Order:  Zingiberales
• Family: Marantaceae
• Genus:  Maranta
• Species: arundinacea

Tubers are the most economically important part of  Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a tropical plant that grows best at temperatures of 20-30°C.

A minimum annual rainfall of 95-150 cm is required, but a sufficient water supply in the soil throughout the growing period of the plant is of primary importance.

Arrowroot requires deep, well-drained, slightly acid, loam soils for the best results.

Badly-drained and heavy clay soils are unsuitable. 

Arrowroot normally grows from sea level up to about 900 m but does particularly well near the sea at elevations of 60-90m.

• The major challenges involve Biotic and Abiotic causes.
• Biotic Causes:
  
  • Major Pest: Leaf roller, Caterpillar, Arrowroot butterfly, Armyworm and Pod borer.
    
  • Major Diseases: Leaf spot, Leaf blight, Bacterial wilt and Mosaic.
• Abiotic Causes - Yellowing