Arrowroot is a starch obtained from the rhizomes (root stock) of several tropical plants, including the Obedience Plant (or West Indian Arrowroot) Maranta arundinacea, and the cassava plant, Manihot esculenta. It is a white flavourless powder, which can be used as a thickener or clear gel. There is no gluten in arrowroot flour, so it is a useful replacement for wheat flour.