Thalia geniculata aka Arrowroot

Thalia geniculata, also known as bent alligator-flag, arrowroot, or fire-flag, is a plant species widespread across tropical Africa and much of the Americas, stretching from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, south to Zimbabwe and Angola. It is also considered native to Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, most of South America, as well as the southeastern United States (Puerto Rico, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and southern Georgia). Thalia geniculata is a rather stout, herbaceous plant growing 2 - 4 metres tall from a tuberous rhizome. They do best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window and require soil that is good at retaining moisture. The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local consumption of its edible leaves and roots and may be supplemented with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season in order to thrive.