Accession #: 199700062
Accession Date: 1997-09-30
Common name: Polynesian Arrowroot, Pia
Family: Taccaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Trop. Old World to Pacific
Description: [syn Tacca pinnatifida]
An herbaceous, aroid-like plant dying back to a large, rounded subterranean tuber. the large spreading leaf is divided onto three main branches, each bearing a number of broad, ovate to rounded lobes. The leaves may be up to 45cm across and are carried on a fleshy stalk to 80cm tall. Small, rounded, greenish-purple flowers are clustered at the end of a fleshy stem to 90cm tall. This cluster is surrounded by large, greenish bracts. Long, thread-like filimanets hang from between the flowers. The fruit are yellow and fleshy.
A common species of open forests also extending into rainforests.
Uses: The raw starch was used in water for diarrhea and when mixed with red clay for dysentery. The starch was also applied to wounds to stop bleeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone:
Source: Dewey Fisk - Aroid-L
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture:
Plants like a protected, but fairly brightly lit situation. They need an abundance of water while in active growth (Nov-Mar in southern hemisphere) and should be kept fairly dry when dormant.