I was going to do another tribute post, but I was so spooked by stories of Manchineel tree poisoning and torture that the moment I woke up, I hopped on my computer and started reading up on the supposed antidote for it; Arrowroot. This blessed plant has many useful properties among its’ ability to draw out poison. It provides for the starches needed in many jellies and pastes; most of which are used in food for infants and the handicapped because it is very easy to digest. Arrowroot spice, made from its’ starches, can be used as a fine baby powder or to thicken sauces and make glazes for pastries. It’s roots are apparently a great source of fiber and contain some proteins.

Okay so— treatment. Mashed roots of the Maranta Arundinacea were used to heal poisoned arrow wounds, hence the name “arrowroot”. However, in the Philippines [and likely some other places] mashed roots were also applied to treat bug bites and/or irritated and inflammed skin. So if you get really tired jogging along the beach and accidently rest against a Manchineel tree, it would do you great good to have someone fetch you some arrowroot while you frantically wash your skin with clean water and pop a benadryl.

The picture I chose shows arrowroot to have light green patches of color on its’ leaves, but it can also be a solid green. Its’ leaves are long and ovate on stalky stems. It sometimes has white flowers.

Scientific name: Maranta Arundinacea
Common names: Arrowroot, Obedience plant, Christmas bush, Araro

http://www.jstor.org/pss/4254646
http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/cropView?id=2335