The ancient edible root that doubles as a source of high-velocity ammunition
In short: Known as Indian shot, Canna indica is a versatile perennial with a dual identity. While its starchy rhizomes have served as a vital food source for thousands of years, its incredibly dense, hard seeds are famously capable of being fired through wood like shotgun pellets without losing their ability to germinate.
Canna indica, or achira, has been cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Americas for millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests it was being grown by the Las Vegas culture in coastal Ecuador as early as 3000 BCE, and by the Casma/Sechin culture in coastal Peru by 2000 BCE. Because these regions were arid, researchers believe the plant was imported from more humid climates, marking it as an early example of agricultural migration. The Cauca River valley in Colombia is considered a primary center of its early domestication.
The plant is prized for its edible, starchy rhizomes, which can reach 60 centimeters in length. These are typically harvested eight to ten months after planting, though they can be left in the ground as a durable emergency food supply when other crops fail. Cultivation requires a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil, and the plant is remarkably adaptable, thriving in climates ranging from sea level to 2,700 meters. While it is a staple in some regions, it has become an invasive threat in others, such as South Africa, where it is legally prohibited due to its tendency to displace indigenous flora in marshy areas.
Beyond its utility as a food source, the plant is a botanical curiosity. Its common name, Indian shot, stems from its black, globular seeds. These seeds are so dense that they sink in water and possess enough structural integrity to be used as projectiles. Despite their unconventional use, the plant remains a sophisticated agricultural subject, requiring specific fertilization and weed management strategies to maximize yield. Modern taxonomists, including Paulus Johannes Maria Maas and Nobuyuki Tanaka, continue to refine the classification of its many varieties, which differ in everything from flower color to chromosome count.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Canna indica
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/food-canna-indica.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Cooking, food and drink · More in Food & Drink · Latest · A–Z · All topics
