The pia (Tacca leontopetaloides) or arrowroot has broad leaves. Flowers will appear at the top of the stem when the plant matures. The flowers grow up to three dozen in a group. The flowers vary in colors such as green or purple. The pia has a starchy tuber that grows underground. The tuber of the pia is white and circular. In the spring it can grow from one to three feet tall and the leaves can grow to two feet long.
	The ancient Hawaiians had many uses for the pia plant. The part used most is the tuber. It was used to make food such as haupia by mixing coconut milk into the pia, wrapping it in ti leaves, steaming, boiling or baking it. Many of the ancient Hawaiians grew pia for its nutritious starch. The haupia is still a popular dish in Hawaii.
The pia can be found in low elevations near streams and sometimes in gardens. Moist lands and woods are some other common places where pia can be found. It is rare and grows alone.