Achira Tubers (2) (Canna edulis)
Excellent edible and ornamental canna lily that is native to the valleys of the Andes. The tubers, seeds and leaves are all edible and widely used and cultivated in South America. The tubers can be steamed or baked like a potato and are also made into an arrowroot like powder to thicken foods. The leaves are steamed like greens and are quite nutritious, containing 10% protein. The mature seeds are ground and made into tortillas and when mature used as buck shot, hence one of its common names "Indian Shot". This plant was so important to native Andean cultures that it was buried with the dead in graves and has been dated back 3500 years. Very pest free and adaptable to different soil types. Likes a warm location and responds to good fertility and regular watering.The plant has beautiful lush ornamental leaves that are dark green striped with red. Can grow up to 6 or more feet tall and in long season climates has clusters of bright red flowers at the top. The leaves can take light frost, but tubers overwinter better with a good mulch to protect from freezing. Hardy to zone 8 with mulching. In colder climates the tubers can be dug in the fall and overwintered in a cool place. They store easily and can be eaten over a long season from fall through spring. Easy to grow, delicious as a food and striking in the landscape.
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Sales price $6.00
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Description
Excellent edible and ornamental canna lily that is native to the valleys of the Andes. The tubers, seeds and leaves are all edible and widely used and cultivated in South America. The tubers can be steamed or baked like a potato and are also made into an arrowroot like powder to thicken foods. The leaves are steamed like greens and are quite nutritious, containing 10% protein. The mature seeds are ground and made into tortillas and when mature used as buck shot, hence one of its common names "Indian Shot". This plant was so important to native Andean cultures that it was buried with the dead in graves and has been dated back 3500 years. Very pest free and adaptable to different soil types. Likes a warm location and responds to good fertility and regular watering.The plant has beautiful lush ornamental leaves that are dark green striped with red. Can grow up to 6 or more feet tall and in long season climates has clusters of bright red flowers at the top. The leaves can take light frost, but tubers overwinter better with a good mulch to protect from freezing. Hardy to zone 8 with mulching. In colder climates the tubers can be dug in the fall and overwintered in a cool place. They store easily and can be eaten over a long season from fall through spring. Easy to grow, delicious as a food and striking in the landscape.
