Queensland Arrowroot

• 180-270 days (6-9 months)

Queensland arrowroot goes into a slow grown / hibernation phase in June, July and August and is hard to get established during these months in Townsville. Waiting until the warmer weather appears will result in greater success.

Versatile perennial plant with edible rhizomes and multiple uses in permaculture systems. Pest and disease resilient.

Queensland Arrowroot is a hardy perennial plant. It forms dense clumps. The plant is known for its ability to thrive in different soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for improving soil quality and creating microclimates.

Queensland Arrowroot serves as an excellent windbreak, provides shade for other plants, and can be used as a chop-and-drop mulch to improve soil fertility. The plant is also valuable as animal fodder, with its leaves being high in protein.

The young rhizomes of Queensland Arrowroot are edible and can be used in various culinary applications. Young rhizomes are located at the periphery of the clump and are harvested by breaking off from the main plant. They can be boiled, roasted, or added to stir-fries, soups, and curries. The rhizomes can also be grated and used as a thickener in dishes (usually in drier conditions). Young shoots and unfurled leaves are edible when cooked.

Starch can be collected from older tubers, in the dry season when the leaves and stems have started to die back.

• Grate the tubers, and extract the starch via settlement.
• Attempting to collect starch during wet or warm growing conditions may lead to poor levels of starch collection.

Plant rhizomes about 5-10 cm deep in the soil, ensuring that each piece has at least one eye for sprouting.

Queensland Arrowroot is typically propagated through division of rhizomes rather than seeds. The plant will produce small red flowers (much smaller than the ornamental varieties, but when germinated and grown out will not produce the large and desired rhizomes.

When harvesting, focus on young, fleshy, and whitish tubers. Older tubers become fibrous and are not suitable for consumption. The plant can spread vigorously, so consider its placement in your garden to prevent unwanted expansion.

Store harvested tubers in a cool, dark place until ready to plant. For planting, wait until the humidity increases, typically around October, November, or December. This timing allows for optimal sprouting conditions.

To prepare for planting, you can pre-sprout the tubers by placing them in a shallow tray with moist soil or coconut coir. Keep them in a warm, humid environment until shoots appear, then transplant to their permanent location.

Queensland Arrowroot tubers can be frozen for use throughout the year. To freeze:

1. Clean and peel the tubers.
2. Cut into desired sizes (cubes or slices).
3. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cool quickly in ice water.
5. Drain and pat dry.
6. Pack in airtight containers or freezer bags.
7. Label and date the containers.

Frozen tubers can be used directly in soups, stews, or thawed for other recipes. This method allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits and unique texture of Queensland Arrowroot year-round, even when fresh tubers are not available.