Canna indica Seeds | Indian Shot
LATIN NAME: Canna indica
COMMON NAME: Indian Shot
Plant Profile
Indian Shot (Canna indica) is a robust rhizomatous perennial of the canna family (Cannaceae), native to the tropical Americas and naturalised throughout the warm world. It grows 1-2.5 m tall, with broad, banana-like leaves and spikes of narrow-petalled red flowers followed by spiky pods of hard, round, black seeds once used as shot. The starchy rhizomes are eaten in parts of Asia, and the plant thrives in heat and wet ground.
Science & Biotechnology
Canna indica sits in the Canna group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. The species’ starchy rhizome, known as achira in parts of South America, has also been studied by agricultural researchers interested in traditional Andean and Amazonian root crops largely overlooked outside their region of origin. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Indian Shot earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Its showy orange-red flowers and bold tropical foliage also give it substantial ornamental value, serving as wild ancestor of many colourful hybrid canna cultivars found in gardens worldwide. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Canna rhizomes are an edible starch crop, the source of Queensland arrowroot, and in folk medicine the rhizome has records as a cooling diuretic. Gardeners grow it for the lush, tropical display.
Growing from Seed
Indian Shot is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Bright light and warmth suit this vigorous tropical perennial well, and it typically establishes readily once germination is achieved. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Indian Shot earns its space through character rather than fuss. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
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