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ACHIRA ( Canna indica ) - in explore

oots, shoots, flowers, and young seeds are edible.

Native to the American Tropics, Canna indica (Achira) was a main root crop grown by South American Natives, reported by Spanish explorers.

The leaves, rhizomes, shoots, flowers, and seeds are edible and cultivated for food, tamale wrappers, biodegradable plants, starch, and alcohol throughout the tropics.

Starch Properties

Achira starch contains 31% amylose.

Granules are spheric, oval, or elliptical, ranging in size from 26 to 67 µm, affecting their swelling power and water absorption capacity.

 

Cultivation and History

 

Canna indica has been cultivated for over 4000 years as a food crop in Central and South America.

The plant can grow up to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it a member of the Cannaceae family.

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Uploaded on July 20, 2024
Taken on March 10, 2014