Canna × hybrida

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Canna × generalis
• Canna × hortensis

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Cannna × hybrida, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Zingiberales and the family Cannaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Canna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cannā × hybrida is characterized by a highly specific and restricted environmental niche, as it is documented to inhabit a precise altitudinal belt. This species is found within an elevational range that begins at 2000 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL, indicating a specialized adaptation to this particular montane elevation. Such a narrow altitudinal distribution suggests that the plant is finely tuned to the specific atmospheric pressures, temperature gradients, and moisture regimes found at this exact height above mean sea level.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Canna × hybrida is characterized by its status as a perennial, though its growth pattern can be variable depending on environmental conditions and local climates. As a perennial species, the plant typically lives for more than two years, persisting through successive growing seasons by utilizing its robust underground rhizomes to store nutrients and energy. In frost-free climates, the plant can maintain a continuous life cycle, whereas in regions with colder winters, it may behave more like an annual or biennial if the rhizomes are not properly protected, though it remains biologically capable of long-term survival. The life cycle begins with the emergence of new shoots from the rhizomatous base in the spring, followed by a period of vigorous vegetative growth and the development of large, lush foliage. This is succeeded by a flowering stage where showy blooms appear, eventually leading to seed production if pollination occurs. As the growing season concludes, the above-ground parts may die back, but the plant enters a period of dormancy, relying on its stored energy within the rhizomes to re-emerge when favorable conditions return.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cannna × hybrida is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a primarily terrestrial habit. The plant typically reaches an average height of 1.5 m, maintaining a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber or liana. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining its life cycle through terrestrial soil substrates. The overall architecture is consistent with a herbaceous habit, lacking any woody tissue throughout its stems and foliage.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Canna × hybrida is characterized by its specific metabolic and morphological adaptations, most notably its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway for carbon fixation. This metabolic process dictates how the plant manages gas exchange and energy production under varying environmental conditions. Morphologically, the plant exhibits significant vegetative vigor, evidenced by its substantial foliage, with a mean leaf length of approximately 40 cm. This expansive leaf surface area facilitates efficient light interception to support its photosynthetic requirements and overall biomass accumulation.

Leaf length mean:

40 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Canna × hybrida occurs primarily through both vegetative and sexual means, though most cultivated varieties are propagated vegetatively to maintain specific hybrid characteristics. Vegetative reproduction is most commonly achieved via division of the underground rhizomes, which are fleshy, starch-rich stems that allow the plant to spread and establish new clones. Sexual reproduction involves the production of flowers that serve as the reproductive structures, characterized by a distinct inflorescence. This inflorescence typically exhibits a length ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.3 m. Within these flowering structures, pollination can occur, potentially leading to the development of seeds within capsules; however, due to the hybrid nature of the plant, seed production may be irregular or result in offspring that do not mirror the parent plant's traits, making rhizome division the preferred method for consistent reproduction.

Inflorescence length max:

0.3 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.15 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Canna × hybrida has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoid, Gallic acid, Steroid, quercetin, rosmarinic acid.

Flavonoid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gallic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Steroid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

quercetin

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

rosmarinic acid

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Canna × hybrida has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antipyretic, Demulcent, Diaphoretic.

Analgesic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antipyretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Demulcent

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Diaphoretic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology