Arrowhead, Japanese Arrowhead, Chinese Arrowhead
Sagittaria sagittifolia

Family: Alismataceae

What it is like

This perennial herb has arrow shaped leaves. It grows 50-80 cm high. Leaves are arrowhead-shaped and 5-20 cm wide. They are raised above the water level. The flowers are in rings around the stem and are white with a yellow centre. The flower stalk is long. The plant produces edible tubers. These underground corms are spherical, yellowish or brownish, with membranous scales on two or three rings. There are usually 4-6 tubers on each plant. They are 5 cm across.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It occurs in swamps and muddy places, growing in ponds and rice-fields. It grows in wetlands. It suits hardiness zones 7-12. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Europe (country/location of origin), French Polynesia, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Marquesas, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Tahiti, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The tubers or corms are cooked and eaten. The starch is used in dishes and for bread. The tender shoots near the root and stem is boiled well then eaten with oil and salt.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is cultivated for its tuberous roots eaten as a vegetable. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, corms, root, tubers, leaf stalks, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are normally grown from pieces of the corm which have side buds. It can be grown from seeds.

Corms mature in 6-7 months. Each corm weighs about 14-28 g. The starchy corms are peeled, sliced and cooked in stews or fried.

Its other names

Local names

Alacs, Bab henru, Beea beea, Chhoto-kut, Chotokut, Chi Gu, Cigu, Elecs, Etjeng, Huring dumdum, Kere gende, King aunt, Koukha, Kuwai, Lili air, Lochkor, Muya, Muya muya, Ok-kha, Pijlkruid, Sigan godai, Sipatka strelolista, Swamp potato, Swan potato, Thaso laojeng, Tsee goo, Vodena strijela

Synonyms

Sagittaria trifolia L. var. sinensis Makino;