Sagittaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sagittaria |
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| S. sagittifolia 1885 illustration |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Genus: | Sagittaria L. |
| Type species | |
| Sagittaria sagittifolia |
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Sagittaria is a group of about 30 different kinds of aquatic plants. These plants are known by many common names. Some of these names include arrowhead, duck potato, katniss, Omodaka, swamp potato, tule potato, and wapato. Most Sagittaria plants grow naturally in South, Central, and North America. However, some types are also found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
What is Sagittaria?
Sagittaria plants have a special underground stem called a rhizome. This rhizome grows sideways, like a creeper. It helps the plant spread out in the mud. The plant also produces small, dry fruits. These fruits have winged edges and a special opening for sprouting.
Edible Tubers
One of the cool things about Sagittaria is its edible underground parts. These are called tubers. They are like small potatoes that grow in the mud. People have eaten these tubers for thousands of years. They are a good source of energy and nutrients.
You can find these tubers in late fall or early spring. If you gently stir the mud where the plants grow, the tubers will float to the top. Then you can collect them. After harvesting, they are usually boiled before eating.
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Sagittaria sagittifolia flowers
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Omodaka
How People Use Sagittaria
Many types of Sagittaria have roots that you can eat. These roots have been a valuable food source for a very long time. They provide starch and carbohydrates, even during the winter months. People usually cook the roots before eating them.
You can harvest the roots by hand. Sometimes, people even use their feet to dig them out of the mud. It is easy to grow more Sagittaria plants. You just replant some of the roots, and they will grow into new plants.
Images for kids
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A Wapato bulb
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Crisps (chips) made from Sagittaria tubers
See also
In Spanish: Sagittaria para niños
