PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Maranta arundinacea
Arrowroot
L.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An erect, perennial tropical herb growing up to 1.5 meters tall, renowned for its fleshy, scaly underground rhizomes packed with high-quality starch. It features branched stems and large, ovate-lanceolate leaves with long petioles. It produces small, delicate white flowers born in pairs on slender stalks at the ends of the branches.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Marantaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Maranta
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical rainforests and moist lowlands of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soils under warm, humid conditions, typically growing in open forest galleries, river valleys, shaded clearings, and traditional agricultural plots.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An herbaceous understory plant that forms localized colonies through horizontal rhizomatous spreading. It shows an active circadian leaf rhythm (nyctinasty), where its large foliage folds upward together during the night and re-opens wide horizontally at dawn to capture maximum morning filtered sunlight.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 150.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The thick underground rhizomes function as powerful storage organs for energy and moisture, enabling the plant to withstand dry spells or seasonal changes in tropical environments and rapidly regenerate shoots.
Features large, flexible leaf blades equipped with a specialized pulvinus mechanism that realigns leaf orientation to optimize light interception under the shifting canopies of warm forest environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of localized wild gene pools due to agricultural modernization, land clearing for intensive livestock farming, and commercial urbanization of native low-altitude forested valleys.
Susceptibility to commercial pests and soil-borne fungal diseases like Fusarium rot, which can threaten wild clusters when integrated too closely with unstructured industrial cultivations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The common English name 'Arrowroot' is thought to stem from its historical use by native Arawak tribes, who applied the crushed tubers to wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows to extract the toxins.