The Maranta; a genus of plants, natives of the Indies. The Indians are said to employ the roots of the arundinacea, in extracting the virus of poisoned arrows; whence the name. There are several species. From the root of the arundinacea, or starch- plant, is obtained the arrow-root of the shops.

The starch of the maranta, or arrow-root, a nutritive medicinal food.