Canna Indica 10 Seeds, Red Indian shot, Garden Edible Arrowroot

Digpati

$3.99 

Canna Indica
Also known as: Indian shot, Arrowroot

A tropical and subtropical perennial plant that forms dense clumps and produces showy flame-red flowers on erect stems. Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, moths, and bats are attracted to the plant's flower. The leaves are large, green to violet-green in color, and paddle-shaped. The plant may grow to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is a member of the Cannaceae family.

This species has been cultivated for over 4000 years as a food crop in Central and South America. The rhizomes are edible and may be eaten raw. It is preferable to serve them cooked. The rhizomes are processed to produce a starch known as achira, and may be used to produce vermicelli, white wine, and ethanol. The leaves have been used to wrap tamales. The leaves also served as a food source for livestock. The seeds are very hard, dark brown to black in color, and can be used to make jewelry or musical instruments such as a rattle.

Arrowroot prefers sunlight, moist, well-drained soils with a preferably acidic pH. The plant may grow in soil types such as sand, clay, loam, and chalk. The rhizomes need to be spaced about 3 feet apart and 4- 6 inches deep after the last frost in the spring. The rhizomes will rot in poorly drained soils. Remove the spent flowers to encourage continuous flowering from August to October. After the first frost in the fall, the plants should be cut to the ground. The plant is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11. In areas where the plant is not winter hardy, the rhizomes should be lifted from the ground for winter storage. The rhizomes should be stored in peat or vermiculite in a cool dry area. It is best to mist the rhizomes with water over the winter to prevent shriveling.

This offer is for 10 seeds.