polynesian arrowroot is an ancient austronesian root crop closely related to yams. it is originally native to island southeast asia. it was introduced throughout the entire range of the austronesian expansion during prehistoric times (c. 5,000 bp), including micronesia, polynesia, and madagascar. polynesian arrowroot have been identified as among the cultivated crops in lapita sites in palau, dating back to 3,000 to 2,000 bp. it was also introduced to sri lanka, southern india, and possibly also australia through trade and contact.