Maranta \Ma*ran"ta\, n. [NL.]

(Bot.) A genus of endogenous plants found in tropical America, and some species also in India. They have tuberous roots containing a large amount of starch, and from one species (Maranta arundinacea) arrowroot is obtained. Many kinds are cultivated for ornament.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)