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Canna edulis, widely known as Achira or Queensland Arrowroot, is a versatile perennial plant native to the Andes of South America. While often grown for its lush, tropical foliage and vibrant red flowers, it has been a significant food crop for thousands of years. It is the only domesticated edible species in the Cannaceae family. Nearly all parts are edible: Rhizomes (Roots): Large, starchy tubers (up to 60 cm long) that can be eaten raw, boiled, or baked like a potato. Young Shoots: Cooked as a green vegetable similar to asparagus. Immature Seeds: Sometimes ground and added to tortillas. Nutrition: The rhizomes are a source of highly digestible starch, making them ideal for infants, the elderly, and those with digestive issues. They are also high in potassium and contain 10-12% protein on a dry-weight basis. Appearance: It grows 1.5 to 3 metres tall with large, lance-shaped green or purple-edged leaves and small, bright red flowers. Cultivation: It thrives in warm, moist climates and is remarkably pest-resistant. It is often used in permaculture as a "chop and drop" mulch plant or windbreak. Ancient Staple: Archeological evidence shows Achira was cultivated in Peru as far back as 20003000 BCE and was even buried with the dead in ancient graves. "Indian Shot": One of its common names comes from its incredibly hard, round, black seeds. They are so dense they sink in water and were reportedly used as lead shot in 18th-century flintlock guns when soldiers ran out of bullets. Record-Breaking Starch: Achira produces the largest starch granules known in the plant world, which are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. Ancient Seeds: The seeds have an extremely hard coat, allowing them to remain viable for centuries. Some seeds recovered from archaeological sites were successfully germinated after nearly 600 years. Modern Uses: Beyond food, its starch is used to make cellophane noodles in Vietnam (known as min dong) and biodegradable plastics in China. Ecological Filter: The plant has a high tolerance for contaminants and is used in constructed wetlands to purify greywater and extract industrial pollutants.
