INDIAN SHOT (WEED)
Canna indica, Fam. Cannaceae
Perennial rhizomatous, unbranched, upright, glabrous herb to 2m tall.
| Form or habit: | Herb |
| Latex: | Cannaceae |
| Leaf: | Simple Alternate Alternate elliptic, up to 450 x 250mm, apex pointed, base narrowed into open tubular sheath, margins entire. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: | Red to Yellow |
| Flower description: | Irregular, borne above foliage on cane-like terminal spikes or on 2-flowered branches: red to yellow, up to 50 x 15mm. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: | Black or Brown |
| Fruit: | Dry |
| Fruit description: | Textured capsules, 20-30mm long with numerous round black or dark brown seeds, 5-6mm long. |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution | |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Tropical America |
| Weed: | Yes |
| Weed status: | Environmental/garden escapee |
| Notes: | Spread by: Seeds, water, garden waste, vegetatively from rhizomes. Invades: Creek banks, Melaleuca forest, open wetlands and roadsides. Notes: Survives wet conditions. Indian Shot (C. indica) is the more often encountered species. Canna Lily (C x orchiodes) is a cultivated hybrid and does not produce viable seeds but reproduces vegetatively from rhizomes. A population has been recorded from near Hay Point. Environmental weed. |
| Information sources: | Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2011) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region. |
