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Canna Lily – edible wild plant – how to find, identify, prepare, and other uses for survival.

Canna Lily plant and seeds

Canna Lily (Canna indica)

Canna Lily (Canna indica), also kown as saka siri, Indian shot, canna, bandera, chancle, coyol, or platanilloAlso known as saka siri, Indian shot, canna, bandera, chancle, coyol, or platanillo.  The canna lily is a coarse perennial herb, 90 centimeters (36 inches) to 3 meters (10 feet) tall. The plant grows from a large, thick, underground rootstock that is edible. Its large leaves resemble those of the banana plant but are not so large. The flowers of wild canna lilies are usually small, relatively inconspicuous, and brightly colored reds, oranges, or yellows.  The seeds are small, globular, black pellets, hard and heavy enough to sink in water.  They resemble shotgun pellets giving rise to the plant’s common name of Indian Shot.

Canna Lily flowerWhere to find the Canna Lily plant

As a wild plant, the canna lily is found in all tropical areas, especially in moist places along streams, springs, ditches, and the margins of woods. It may also be found in wet temperate, mountainous regions. It is easy to recognize because it is
commonly cultivated in flower gardens in the United States.

Although canna lilies are native to South America, they can also be found in the United States. If you are located in the southern states, such as Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia, you may be lucky enough to spot some canna lilies growing in the wild. Additionally, canna lilies are commonly found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, which are both known for their beautiful and lush plant life.

Edible parts of the Canna Lily plant

The large and much-branched rootstocks are full of edible starch. The younger parts may be finely chopped and then boiled or pulverized into a meal. Mix in the young shoots of palm cabbage for flavoring.

Other uses for Canna lilies

Medicinal Uses

The Canna Lily plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and bronchitis. The plant contains alkaloids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties.

Industrial Uses

The fibers from the Canna Lily plant’s stem can be used to make paper, textiles, and even biodegradable plastics. The plant’s seeds are a source of oil that can be used in the manufacture of soap, cosmetics, and lubricants.

Canna Lily picture identification guide

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