Please note: if you want a canna for food production, canna edulis is by far more productive and better tasting. 

However, it is said to be tougher and more forgiving than canna edulis and more drought-tolerant.

Achira is an ancient Incan food. This is the plain form of the canna lily, from which the ornamental forms were bred. Achira is very versatile. The starchy tuber can be used as a potato substitute or to make gluten free flour. The protein rich shoots can be used like spinach.

Canna indica is widely used in breeding and hybridisation work because:

• It is genetically diverse
• It is often diploid or sexually fertile (unlike many triploid edible clones)
• It crosses relatively easily with other Canna species/forms

Breeding goals include:

• higher starch yield
• improved disease resistance
• ornamental flower traits
• environmental tolerance (wet soils, heat, etc.)

Cana lily s a fast growing tropical looking plant. The leaves make a great mulch for your food forest.

Achira grows in most areas.

Grows well in sun or part-shade and moist soil. Likes manure.