Overview of Canna edulis Ker Gawl.
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Cannaceae. It is commonly known as the 'Achira', 'Edible Canna', or 'Queensland Arrowroot'. The plant is native to South America, particularly in countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. It has been cultivated for centuries for its starchy tuberous roots that have various culinary uses.
General Appearance
The Canna edulis Ker Gawl. plant is characterized by its erect stem that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. The plant has large, glossy, and oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long and 30 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are trumpet-shaped and come in various colors such as yellow, orange, red, and pink. The plant's fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small black seeds.
Culinary Uses
The Canna edulis Ker Gawl. plant is mainly cultivated for its tuberous roots that are harvested for food. These roots are starchy and can be cooked in various ways such as boiling, frying, roasting, or baking. The roots are also fermented and used to make alcoholic beverages. In South America, the plant is a staple food crop, and its roots are used to make flour for baking bread, cakes, and other confectionaries.
The plant's young leaves and shoots are also edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be used in salads, soups, stews, or sautéed as a side dish. The seeds of the plant are also edible and can be ground to make flour that can be used to thicken soups or as a seasoning.
Medicinal Uses
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. has several medicinal properties. The plant's roots are used to treat various health conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, stomach-ache, and indigestion. The root extracts have also been found to lower blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
The plant's leaves and stems are used to treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. The leaves are also used as a natural dye to color textiles.
Conclusion
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. is a multi-purpose plant that has many culinary and medicinal uses. It is a vital food crop in South America and has been cultivated for centuries. The plant's roots, leaves, and seeds are all edible and have unique flavors and nutrients. It is also a natural remedy for various health conditions and is a sustainable and eco-friendly crop.
Light Requirements
The plant Canna edulis Ker Gawl. requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. The ideal location for planting the seeds is a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, the plant can also tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Canna edulis Ker Gawl. is between 20°C and 27°C (68°F to 81°F). The plant can't tolerate very cold temperatures and needs protection during frosty weather conditions. If you live in a region with cold winters, it's best to grow the plant in a container and move it indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 6.0 to 6.7. The plant prefers loose and friable soil, and heavy clay soils should be amended with compost or other organic matter. It's also essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant can't tolerate drought.
Cultivation Methods
Canna edulis Ker Gawl., commonly known as the Achira plant, is best grown in tropical and subtropical climates, in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The best time for planting is in the spring.
The rhizomes of the plant should be planted 4-6 inches deep, with a space of 12-18 inches between each plant. The planting hole should be watered thoroughly before planting. Achira plants require regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting, to promote root growth.
Watering Needs
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Overwatering can also cause leaves to turn yellow or brown. During the rainy season, the frequency of watering can be reduced, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
The plant can be irrigated using drip irrigation, which saves water and promotes efficient use of resources. Mulching around the plants can help to conserve moisture and reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Achira plants require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and increase yields. An organic fertilizer, such as compost or manure, can be applied at planting time and every few months thereafter. Alternatively, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive leaf growth and reduced flowering and tuber production. Regular soil testing can help to determine the nutrient requirements of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning can help to control the growth and shape of Canna edulis Ker Gawl. plants. Dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. Flower stalks can also be pruned once they have finished blooming, to encourage the development of new shoots.
Achira plants can also be divided every few years to promote healthy growth and increase yields. This is done by digging up the rhizomes and dividing them into smaller sections, each with a shoot or bud. These can then be replanted in fresh soil.
Propagation of Canna edulis Ker Gawl.
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from rhizomes. Propagation is the process of producing new plants either from seeds or vegetatively from different plant parts like stem cuttings, rhizome divisions, and bulbs.
Propagating from seeds
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. can be propagated from seeds but it takes a longer time to grow into an adult plant and the success rate is low. The seeds should be moistened and planted into well-drained soil. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil. They require warm temperature and moist condition to germinate. It should be ensured that the soil is kept moist throughout the germination period. Germination usually takes between 2-4 weeks.
Propagating from stem cuttings
Propagation from stem cuttings is another method of propagating Canna edulis Ker Gawl. It involves cutting a portion of the stem with some leaves and planting it in well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil with good irrigation. The cuttings should be kept in a warm environment with good ventilation. Rooting usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagating from rhizome divisions
Rhizome division is another method of propagating Canna edulis Ker Gawl. that involves separating the underground stem into sections. Each section should have at least two buds and a good root system. The sections should be planted individually in a well-drained soil, with the buds facing up and the roots downwards. Watering should be done to keep the soil moist throughout the growing period. Plants obtained through this method flower faster than those obtained through other propagation methods.
Disease management
Canna edulis Ker Gawl. is susceptible to various diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. Some common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small, brown spots to form on the leaves, which eventually enlarge and merge, leading to premature defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and apply fungicides as per recommendations. Ensure to water at the base of the plant instead of overhead watering.
- Root rot: This condition is caused by several soil-borne fungi and may cause wilting, yellowing, and ultimately, death of the plant. You can avoid root rot by ensuring proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and the use of a well-draining soil.
- Bacterial blight: This disease causes blackened and withered leaves and stems. To manage bacterial blight, remove the diseased plant parts and treat with copper-based fungicides. Control the disease by proper pruning and growing conditions.
Pest management
Several pests attack Canna edulis, including spider mites, caterpillars, and aphids. Some pest management techniques are:
- Handpicking: This method involves manually removing pests from the plant. Check the plant regularly and remove any pests you come across.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests and is an organic alternative to chemical insecticides. Mix with water as per the instructions and spray on the plant.
- Insecticidal soap: These soaps can control many pests, including spider mites and aphids. Apply the soap solution as per the instructions on the label.
Ensure to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate care, such as regular watering, adequate fertilizer, and proper pruning to avoid creating openings for pests and diseases to set in. Crop rotation also minimizes pest and disease pressure.
