Indian Shot

canna indica

The Indian Shot (Canna indica) is a striking perennial plant renowned for its bold foliage and vibrant, asymmetrical flowers that paint tropical and subtropical landscapes with brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Native to the neotropics, this versatile plant has captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide, earning its place as a staple ornamental in public parks and private gardens alike. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Canna indica holds deep ethnobotanical value, with roots historically used for food and starch, and incredibly hard seeds traditionally utilized as beads, musical instruments, and even makeshift ammunition.

Habitat: Typically found in moist, sunny areas such as riverbanks, wetlands, forest edges, and cultivated gardens across tropical and subtropical regions.

Appearance

This robust herb stands between 90 to 250 cm tall, featuring large, banana-like leaves that are rich green or occasionally dark bronze-purple. The flowers, which bloom in terminal spikes, are actually composed of highly modified, colorful stamens called staminodes that mimic true petals, ranging from bright scarlet to golden yellow. Following pollination, it produces bumpy, papery seed capsules that split open to reveal exceptionally round, shiny black seeds that feel as hard as lead shot.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderZingiberalesFamilyCannaceaeGenusCanna

Indian Shot

Interesting facts

In the Andes, the rhizomes are harvested and processed into 'Achira' starch, a highly digestible gluten-free flour used to make traditional biscuits.

The common name 'Indian Shot' comes from the seeds' resemblance to lead shotgun pellets, being so hard and heavy they were reportedly used as ammunition during mutinies.

The shiny, perfectly round black seeds are widely used as beads in jewelry, rosaries, and inside the gourd rattles (kayamb) of Reunion island music.

Special abilities

This plant is highly effective at phytoremediation, absorbing and neutralizing heavy metals like lead and zinc from contaminated soil and wastewater.

Its seeds possess an incredibly dense, impermeable coat that protects the embryo for years, allowing them to survive fire and pass undamaged through animal digestive tracts.

It spreads rapidly through thick, underground rhizomes that store nutrients, enabling the plant to quickly bounce back after cold snaps or physical damage.

Measurements & details

Length: 90+ cm

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, Indian Shot produces its own energy via photosynthesis, absorbing water and vital minerals from the soil through its extensive rhizome system.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Soil Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Potassium

Ecological connections

eaten by

Brazilian Skipper

Calpodes ethlius

The caterpillars of this butterfly feed extensively on Canna leaves, rolling them into protective tubes.

mutualism

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Amazilia tzacatl

Hummingbirds are primary pollinators of Canna indica, attracted to the bright red tubular flowers and abundant nectar.

mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Bees frequently visit the flowers to gather pollen and nectar, assisting in the pollination process.

Traits

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Also known as

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Indian Shot?

The easiest way to identify Indian Shot is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Indian Shot?

90+ cm

What does Indian Shot eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, Indian Shot produces its own energy via photosynthesis, absorbing water and vital minerals from the soil through its extensive rhizome system.

Where is Indian Shot usually found?

Typically found in moist, sunny areas such as riverbanks, wetlands, forest edges, and cultivated gardens across tropical and subtropical regions.