Otaheite arrowroot is a type of starch that comes from the rhizome of a tropical plant. It has been used for centuries as a thickener in cooking and as a natural remedy for upset stomachs. Otaheite arrowroot is also known by other names such as Tahitian arrowroot, Polynesian arrowroot, and Maranta arundinacea. These synonyms reflect the plant's origin and the different regions where it has been cultivated. Regardless of the name, Otaheite arrowroot remains a valuable ingredient in many traditional cuisines and is still used in some parts of the world for medicinal purposes.