Standard English Name(s):
wapato, arrowhead (and introduced
potato)
Local English Name(s) (if different from above): "Indian potato"
Scientific Name(s): Sagittaria latifolia Willd. var. latifolia
(and Solanum tuberosum L., potato)
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): sqe:wth, sququwithulh (Tait), xhoqw'o:ls
(Chilliwack)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): sqewth
,
xhuwqw'uw's
Island Halkomelem Name(s): sqewth
Description, Habitat,
Ecology, & Distribution:
This is a marsh or semiaquatic perennial,
which grows from tuber-producing rhizomes. The common name arrowhead
is based on the arrowhead-shaped leaves. The flowers are white. Wapato
grows in wet habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and wet ditches
often partly submerged. It occurs at low elevations throughout the south
coast region. In post-contact times, the Halkomelem terms shown here
have been extended to refer to the introduced potato (S. tuberosum)
Upriver Halkomelem Cultural
Role(s):
The edible tubers were formerly harvested
from Pitt Meadows, Sumas Lake, Kawkawa Lake, and probably other areas.
Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):