Different Types of Arrowroot and Koova
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The names arrowroot and koova (കൂവ) do not always refer to a single plant.
In different regions, these common names have been used for several rhizomatous plants from which starch can be obtained.
This can cause confusion when identifying arrowroot by its local name alone. Botanical names provide a more reliable way of distinguishing these plants.
Maranta arundinacea – West Indian Arrowroot
Maranta arundinacea is the species grown at Sun Green Farms for producing our Arrowroot Starch. It is a perennial rhizomatous plant belonging to the family Marantaceae.
The species originated in tropical America and is now cultivated in many tropical regions, including India. In Kerala, Maranta arundinaceais known by names including:
The species originated in tropical America and is now cultivated in many tropical regions, including India. In Kerala, Maranta arundinaceais known by names including:
- Vellakkoova (വെള്ളക്കൂവ)
- Bilathikkoova (ബിലാത്തിക്കൂവ)
- Rajakkoova (രാജക്കൂവ) in some local usage
Manjakkoova
Manjakkoova (മഞ്ഞക്കൂവ) is another name encountered in Kerala and other parts of India in connection with plants used for starch.
One species associated with this name is Curcuma angustifolia, a member of the ginger family Zingiberaceae.
It is also known in parts of India as East Indian arrowroot or Tikhur.
Although both Curcuma angustifolia and Maranta arundinacea may be described as arrowroot and their rhizomes can be sources of starch, they belong to different botanical families and should not be regarded as the same plant.
Neelakkoova
Neelakkoova (നീലക്കൂവ) is another type of koova traditionally found in Kerala. It is identified as Curcuma aeruginosa and belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae.
It is traditionally known as a medicinal plant and is botanically different from Maranta arundinacea, the arrowroot grown at Sun Green Farms.
The Arrowroot We Grow at Sun Green Farms
At Sun Green Farms, the arrowroot we grow for starch production is Maranta arundinacea, locally known as Vellakkoova, Bilathikkoova and, in some local usage, Rajakkoova.
Our Arrowroot Starch is traditionally wet-extracted from rhizomes grown and harvested on our farm.
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