Arrow Leaves

Botanical Name: Arrow Arum
Common Name: Tuckahoe, Green Arrow Arum, Duck Weed
Bloom Time: May to July

Arrow leaves, named for their shape are narrow and leathery with unequal basal lobes. They are magenta to maroon beneath with small green spathes. They have arrow shaped leaves frequently in a cluster. The leaves are fleshy and have veins. The flower is a wavy margined, thin tapering leaf-like spathe. Berries are a cluster of yellow to blackish-green berries.

The flower is a yellowish spadix which contains stamens and pistils shielded by a partially closed green spathe, blooming in early summer. Later, as the fruit begins to mature the entire covering curves downward, immersing the spathe. When cut and dried, these leaves have strong aromatic and minty smell. They are also used as poultice for burns, wounds, cuts and bruises.

Uses
Dried arrow leaf is used in dried arrangements. The dried root is used as flour for making bread, and the dried fruit are cooked like peas. It contains calcium oxalate crystals which causes a burning in the mouth. This property can only be removed by drying and so it is always eaten after drying.