Indian shot

Indian shot is a common name for the plant species Canna indica, a member of the family Cannaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, but it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in various parts of the world.

Description

Canna indica is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 0.5–2.5 meters. The plant's large, banana-like leaves are alternately arranged and have a broad, flat blade. The flowers, which are produced in a terminal spike, are typically red, orange, or yellow, and are pollinated by birds and bees.

The plant's common name, "Indian shot", comes from the hard, round seeds, which resemble shotgun pellets. These seeds are very hard and dense, and have been used as shot in the past.

Cultivation and uses

Canna indica is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It is also grown for its edible rhizome, which can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or ground into a flour for baking.

In traditional medicine, Canna indica has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, infections, and digestive problems. However, scientific evidence to support these uses is limited.

Ecology

Canna indica is a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed areas. It can also become invasive in some areas, outcompeting native vegetation.

See also

• Canna
• Cannaceae
• Invasive species

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