Achira (Noun)
Meaning
Canna grown especially for its edible rootstock from which arrowroot starch is obtained.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Achira is also known as canna or Indian shot and is primarily cultivated for its starchy rootstock.
- The indigenous people have used the achira root for its nutritional properties for generations in many parts of South America.
- In other countries arrowroot is obtained mainly from the Maranta arundinacea but Peruvians still prefer achira.
- Archaeologists have discovered evidence of achira cultivation dating back thousands of years in ancient civilizations along the Andean zone.
- To enhance local food production some NGOs are promoting the small-scale farming and further value chain development of achira.