Plant Information

Common Name: ACHIRA - EDIBLE CANNA
Scientific Name: Canna edulis
Alternative Names: Queensland Arrowroot

N/A

R90.00

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Description

• Perennial
• Achira (Canna edulis) probably originated in the Andean region (archaeological remains from Peru are said to date from 2500 BC).
• It is now widely cultivated in Mexico, the West Indies and most parts of South America.
• In recent times it has also become a commercial starch crop in Northen Australia (hence the name “Queensland arrowroot”) and in Vietnam.
• Achira is a leafy perennial herb with large fleshy leaves arising from edible, underground rhizomes.
• Attractive bright red to orange flowers is followed by warty seed capsules bearing hard, round, black seeds.
• This plant is closely related to the well-known ornamental canna (Canna indica and C. x generalis) but the flowers are much smaller.
• Achira is exceptionally hardy and easy to cultivate.
• Just stuck the rhizome tips into the ground.
• They thrive in almost any soil and have very few pests and diseases.
• The rhizomes are harvested by hand or mechanically in the early flowering period – about eight to ten months after planting.
• Yields of 50 tons or rhizomes per hectare (up to 10 tons of starch) are common.

Culinary Uses

• When baked, the rhizomes become translucent, sweet and somewhat slimy.
• It can be cooked in the same way as Jerusalem artichokes, having a similar sweet starchiness and deliciously smooth, silky texture.
• Achira can be roasted like regular potatoes and whipped into a creamy mash.
• Try slicing into wedges to make crispy oven chips - just scatter on a tray, sprinkle with salt, spray with olive oil and bake in a 200°C oven until golden. Serve with a light dusting of paprika.

Parts Used

• Rhizomes and young shoots.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• Nutritunal:
• The dried root contains 80% starch, 10% sugar and 1-3% protein.
• It is rich in potassium.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff