Arrowroot powder (Koovapodi) It is acquired from the rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, L., which is around 23% starch. The name might come from aru (feast of dinners) in the language of the Caribbean Arawak individuals, for whom the plant is a staple. It has additionally been recommended that the name comes from arrowroot's utilization in treating poison bolt wounds, as it draws out the toxin when applied to the site of the injury. The Mayas involved a poultice of the root for smallpox and made an imbuement to drink for discharge in the pee