Indian shot

plant species

Also known as: Canna indica

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Indian shot" refers to a plant species, specifically Canna indica, which belongs to the genus Canna. These plants are tropical herbs known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage, often cultivated as ornamentals.12

Key characteristics of Canna indica include:
* Rhizomes: They possess underground stems called rhizomes.1
* Stems and Leaves: Stems can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) high, with spirally arranged leaves that can be green or bronze.1
* Flowers: The flowers are asymmetrical, featuring a labellum and petal-like structures called staminodes, along with three regular petals. They can be scarlet, red-orange, or yellow, sometimes with spots.1
* Seeds: The plant is noted for its hard, black seeds that are about the size of buckshot.2

In addition to their ornamental value, edible varieties like Canna indica have starchy rhizomes that are grown agriculturally in some regions. The name "shot plant" is also used as a synonym for Indian shot.13

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canna
Edible canna, or Indian shot (Canna indica), and achira (C. discolor) have edible starchy rhizomes and are grown agriculturally in some places; the latter is sometimes listed as a synonym of C. indica.
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Edible canna, or Indian shot (Canna indica), and achira (C. discolor) have edible starchy rhizomes and are grown agriculturally in some places; the latter is sometimes listed as a synonym of C. indica.
Read More