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Glite Dictionary
maranta

maranta

1 9.9
A plant from hot countries with large leaves and thick roots used to make arrowroot flour
  • noun
  • /məˈræn.tə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : maranta
  • Native communities have traditionally used maranta as a food source and for medicinal purposes.

Examples

  • The roots of maranta are often processed to make arrowroot flour.

  • The maranta plant thrives in warm, humid environments.

  • Botanists collect different species of maranta for study and cultivation.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the beauty of the maranta leaves.

  • The maranta plant is often grown for its nutritious edible roots.

  • In tropical gardens, the maranta adds lush greenery with its striking leaves.

  • Many chefs use flour made from maranta roots as a thickening agent in sauces.

Synonyms

genus Maranta
vsmaranta
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants that have attractive leaves and sometimes edible underground stems

focuses on starchy tuberous roots cultivated for food rather than decoration

Compounds

Maranta arundinaceae
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical plant with white flowers whose root makes arrowroot starch used in cooking

genus Maranta
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants that have attractive leaves and sometimes edible underground stems

Surface Forms

maranta singular
marantas plural

Etymology

Maranta comes from the name of an Italian plant expert, Bartolomeo Maranta, and was given to a group of tropical plants. These plants have large, starchy 'roots' used to make arrowroot flour, so the name now brings to mind a plant with an edible 'root'.