A starch somewhat similar to arrowroot and partly known by the distinct name of tous-les mois, is obtained from some species of the allied genus Canna (q.v.). But East Indian arrowroot is in part obtained from the tubers of Cure ?ma anaustifolia. Other species of Cureuma (see TURMERIC) , as Cureuma Zedoaria, Curruma lencorhizo, arid CUITIMUI l'IlbCSCCM S. also yield a shnilar starch; the same tubers which, when young, yield a beautiful and pure starch. yield ing turmeric when old. In Travancore this starch is the principal part of the food of the inhabitants. The young tubers of the galangale Altinia gahinga, another plant of the same natural order (Seitaminece), are source of this stand" A starch somewhat resembling arrowroot, and often sold under that name, is obtained from different species of the natural order Cyeadacea., as from the dwarf fleshy trunks of Zamia tenuis, Zamia furfuracea, and Zamia pumila in the West Indies, and from the large seeds of Dion edule, in the lowlands of Mexico. The Chinese prepare a similar starch from the tubers of species of Sagittaria. The starch of
the cassava, manihot, or manioc (see CASSAVA) is sometimes marketed under the name of Bra zilian arrowroot. Potato starch, carefully pre pared, is sometimes sold as English arrowroot, and the starch obtained from the roots of the macula In (see ARUM), as Portland arrowroot. Otaheite arrowroot is the starch of Theca (q.v.) pinnatilida. All these as well as eornstarch—the starch of maize or Indian corn— arc so nearly allied to true arrowroot as not to be certainly distinguishable by chemical tests; but the forms of the granules differ, so that they can be distinguished by the microscope.
The name arrowroot is commonly said to have had its origin from the use of the fresh roots by the South American Indians as an application to wounds to counteract the effects of poil:oncd arrows; and the expressed juice has been re cently recommended a, an antidote to poisons, and a cure for the stings and bite, of venomous insects and reptiles. But it is not improbable Hint. as has been said, the name is really another form of am, the Indian name.