Sweetcorn Root (Calathea allouia)

Family: Marantaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Sweetcorn Root or Calathea allouia is a tropical, perennial plant that grows up tp 1.5 m tall. It is native to northern South America and the Caribbean. Other common names include Guinea arrowroot, Alleluia, and Aria. Tuberous and egg shaped roots have high starch content and are consumed when cooked. Young tender flower spikes are also cooked. The leaves are large and used as tamales wrap. The flowers are white and in spiral.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, Vegetable. — Edible portion: Tubers, Root, Flowers, Leaves - flavour, Vegetable.; The crisp cooked tubers are very agreeable with a flavour like sweetcorn.; It is used in salads, stews and fish dishes.; Their unique texture makes them a gourmet item.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist or wet, mixed forest, at elevations of 1,400 meters or less, most frequent at low elevations. (Zone 10)