ARROW ROOT PRODUCING CURCUMA SPECIES IN INDIA

Abstract

The genus Curcuma (L.) of the family Zingiberaceae is Indo-Malayan in
origin and is mainly tropical Asian in distribution. It includes several species
of economic importance. Apart from turmeric being used as a condiment and
medicines and few others as medicinal (Kirtikar & Basu, 1918), several others
are used for preparation of arrowroot which is an ideal food for infants and
invalids (Anon, 1948). The present report highlights the production of arrowroot
from various turberising species of the genus Curcuma in comparison with
Maranta arundinacea.