Canna indica
Indian shot
Canna indica, commonly known as Indian Shot, is a vibrant perennial valued for its striking tropical blooms and therapeutic potential. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant is traditionally used in various cultures to treat inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues, offering a rich intersection of beauty and medicinal utility.
- Scientific name: Canna indica
- Family: Cannaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Zingiberales and is a member of the Cannaceae family. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Cannna.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zingiberales | WCVP |
| Family | Cannaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Canna | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Canna indica, is recognized by several common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 美人蕉 (zh-hans), a name that is also used in Mainland China (zh-cn), Hong Kong (zh-hk), and Singapore (zh-sg). Similarly, in Traditional Chinese, the plant is known as 美人蕉 (zh-hant).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 美人蕉 | Wikidata |
| pl | paciorecznik indyjski | Wikidata |
| qu | Achira | Wikidata |
| ca | canya d'Índia | Wikidata |
| to | Misimisi | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing in Austria. Its presence extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically within the territories of Portugal and Spain. Moving toward the southern coast, the species is also established in Northern Africa, notably in Tunisia. Finally, its range reaches the Macaronesian islands, including the Azores.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Canna indica, is a versatile medicinal species characterized by several distinct anatomical features. The most significant part utilized for therapeutic purposes is the rhizome, a thick, fleshy underground stem that stores nutrients and contains many of the plant's active compounds. These interconnected rhizomes are often processed into powders or extracts to treat various ailments. Above the ground, the plant displays large, prominent leaves that are broad and lanceolate, contributing to the plant's lush appearance while also playing a role in its overall biological vitality.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Canna indica has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Norgestrel, catechin, catechol, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Norgestrel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Canna indica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Canna indica has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include AIDS, diarrhea, dropsy, dysentery, fever.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| AIDS | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dropsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |