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HerbCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Canna indica L.

Gul-aqeeq surkh
Synonym: Numerous cultivated forms and hybrids have been described, but Canna indica L. is the accepted name for the species

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Description

Canna indica is a robust perennial rhizomatous herb, usually 1–3 m tall. Stems are erect and arise from thick fleshy rhizomes. Leaves are large, simple, elliptic to oblong, bright green or sometimes purplish, with prominent parallel veins. Flowers are large, showy, red, orange, yellow, or scarlet, arranged in terminal clusters. The petaloid stamens are broad and conspicuous. Fruits are rounded, green, spiny capsules that become brown when mature and contain numerous hard, glossy black seeds.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative
Robust rhizomatous herb with large broad banana-like leaves.
Floral
Large colorful flowers (usually red, orange, or yellow) arranged in terminal clusters.
Fruit & Seed
Rounded spiny capsules with hard black spherical seeds.

Distribution

Native range: Tropical America.

Introduced range: Widely cultivated and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions.

In Pakistan: Commonly cultivated throughout Pakistan in gardens, parks, campuses, and public landscapes.

Phenology

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Flowering
Fruiting
Flowering: Nearly throughout the year in warm climates, with peak flowering from April to October Fruiting: June–November

Ethnobotany & Uses

Ornamental Uses
One of the most widely cultivated ornamental plants because of its attractive flowers and colorful foliage.
Medicinal Uses
Rhizomes and leaves are traditionally used to treat fever, inflammation, wounds, and digestive disorders.
Food Uses
In some countries, the starch-rich rhizomes are cooked or processed into flour.
Environmental Uses
Frequently planted for landscaping, soil stabilization, and phytoremediation of wetlands.
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Where it grows on campus

This species is on the campus floristic list but was not pinned during the GPS mapping survey, so it has no map records yet.

Taxonomic Notes

Canna indica is the best-known species of the family Cannaceae and has given rise to numerous ornamental hybrids collectively known as canna lilies. It is easily recognized by its robust habit, broad leaves, and large brightly colored flowers. The accepted name follows Flora of Pakistan, Plants of the World Online (POWO), and World Flora Online (WFO).