Chinese arrowhead
Sagittaria graminea

Family: Alismataceae

What it is like

A plant that grows in shallow water. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves can be narrow, or oval or heart shaped. They are 25 cm long and 10 cm wide. The leaves under the water are often very long. The flowers are white and in groups of 5-7. They are held in a cluster above the water.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It grows in shallow water up to 50 cm deep. It suits hardiness zones 6-12. Uni of Calicut BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, India, Japan, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The tubers can be boiled or roasted and eaten. They can also be ground and dried and used as a flour in baking or as a thickener.

The tubers are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, root

How it is grown

Plants grow from seed. Plants can also spread by rhizomes or underground stems.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sagittaria sinensis Sims.;